A Swiss politician is facing legal consequences. The politician fired 20 shots at an image depicting Mary and Jesus. The incident has led to a court appearance.
5 months ago
Swiss prosecutors have filed criminal charges against Sanija Ameti, a Zurich councillor and former Green Liberal Party leader, following an incident where she fired approximately 20 shots at a Christian image depicting the Virgin Mary and the infant Jesus 2. The charges, brought under Article 261 of the Swiss Penal Code, accuse Ameti of publicly disparaging religious beliefs and disturbing religious peace 2. This code penalizes those who "publicly and maliciously insults or mocks the religious convictions of others" or "maliciously desecrates objects of religious veneration" 2.
The incident took place in September 2024, when Ameti used an air pistol to shoot at a reproduction of the 14th-century painting "Madonna with Child and the Archangel Michael" by Tommaso del Mazza 2. She reportedly fired from about 10 meters (33 feet), deliberately targeting the heads of Mary and Jesus 2. Ameti, who identifies as a Muslim-born atheist, then posted photographs of the desecrated image on Instagram with the caption "abschalten," which was widely interpreted as a symbolic act of erasure 2.
The images, including close-ups of the bullet holes, provoked immediate and widespread outrage, leading to 31 criminal complaints being filed against Ameti 2. In response to the backlash, she resigned from her leadership position in Zurich’s Green Liberal Party and subsequently quit the party entirely in January 2. She continues to serve as an independent member of Zurich’s municipal council 2. Prosecutors consider the act a deliberate "public staging" that constituted a "needlessly disparaging and hurtful disregard" for Christian beliefs, with the potential to disturb religious peace 2.
Prosecutors are seeking a conditional fine of 10,000 Swiss francs (approximately $11,500) and a 2,500-franc penalty (roughly $2,900), in addition to legal costs 2. The Swiss civic movement Mass-Voll, which filed one of the original complaints, described the incident as "a clear incitement to violence against Christians," with its president, Nicolas Rimoldi, noting that such acts "lower the threshold for further attacks" amidst rising violence against Christians in Europe 2.
The Swiss Bishops’ Conference condemned Ameti's act as "unacceptable," stating it expressed "violence and disrespect toward the human person" and caused "deep hurt among Catholic faithful" 2. They emphasized that the act revealed "a fundamental lack of respect for human dignity" 2. Bishop Joseph Bonnemain of Chur publicly offered forgiveness after Ameti personally expressed remorse to him, encouraging other believers to do the same 2. Ameti has not publicly commented on the indictment since it was filed 2.
What is the Church's teaching on veneration of sacred images?
The Catholic Church teaches that sacred images are to be honored and venerated, but this veneration is not directed to the image itself, but to the person it represents . This practice is distinct from idolatry, as the honor given to the image is ultimately given to the "prototype" or the person depicted .
Sacred images, including paintings, statues, and icons, serve several important purposes within the Church:
It is crucial to distinguish between adoration (latreia) and veneration (proskynesis):
The legitimacy and usefulness of sacred images have been affirmed and defended by the Church throughout history:
The Church encourages the proper use of sacred images and provides guidance to avoid abuses:
In summary, the veneration of sacred images in the Catholic Church is a deeply rooted practice that serves to elevate the mind to God and the saints, fostering faith and devotion, while always maintaining the crucial distinction between adoration due to God alone and the honor given to His created images.