Police investigate Nazi caricature of Chief Minister

Wednesday 18 October 2017

Police in the UK are investigating a satirical posting on a local Facebook group, showing the Chief Minister wearing a Nazi uniform.

The post announced the creation of a "new political party," named "Nazis against sea-lettuce," and attributed the title of SS-Oberst-Gruppenführer, the highest rank in the SS, to the Chief Minister.

Local officers were alerted to the post after an islander contacted them to complain. The post was removed following a Police request, but they say it is now subject to an "on-going investigation, in consultation with Greater Manchester Police." While the post appeared on a local group, the author lives in Manchester.

Writing on Monday in the same group, the author said the original post was "absurd." He added: "Suffice it to point out that the worst one could say about that post was that it was in bad taste and not particularly funny. However, it wasn't meant to be funny - it was meant to be ridiculous. So ridiculous, in fact, that only a half-wit or someone with their own personal agenda could possibly take it seriously." 

In Germany it is still an offence to use and wear symbols of the Nazis, including uniforms with swastikas. 

Given the Occupation, Nazi imagery is a highly sensitive subject in Jersey, and past cases have shown it is no laughing matter in the UK either. The Great British Bake Off's judge Paul Hollywood was recently in hot water after photos from a 2003 party showing him in a Nazi uniform resurfaced. The baker published an apology on his Twitter profile saying he was "devastated"

In response to pictures which appeared in the Sun today, this is my statement: pic.twitter.com/HbM6N75ygN

— Paul Hollywood (@PaulHollywood) September 10, 2017

Prince Harry committed the same faux pas in 2005 as he sported a swastika armband at a private party, which some called "tasteless."

Clarence House issued a statement saying: "Prince Harry has apologised for any offence or embarrassment he has caused. He realises it was a poor choice of costume."