Zurich: A high-profile Swiss politician is at the center of a legal and moral firestorm after allegedly firing multiple shots at a sacred Christian image and sharing the desecration online. Sanija Ameti, a former leader of the Green Liberal Party in Zurich and current independent city councillor, now faces criminal charges under Switzerland's religious peace laws.
The controversy stems from an incident in September 2024, when Ameti used an air pistol to shoot approximately 20 rounds at a reproduction of Madonna with Child and the Archangel Michael, a revered 14th-century painting by Italian artist Tommaso del Mazza. She reportedly aimed directly at the heads of Mary and Jesus from a distance of about 10 meters.
Ameti, who identifies as a Muslim-born atheist, later posted photos of the damaged image to her Instagram account, captioning them with the word "abschalten" a German term that can mean “switch off” but, in this context, was interpreted by many as an act of symbolic erasure of Christian faith. The post triggered swift backlash, prompting 31 criminal complaints from across the country and igniting a broader debate on religious respect and free expression.
Swiss prosecutors have charged Ameti with "publicly and maliciously insulting or mocking the religious convictions of others" under Article 261 of the Swiss Penal Code, which seeks to preserve religious peace. The Zurich public prosecutor’s office described her actions as a “needlessly disparaging and hurtful disregard” for Christian beliefs, asserting that the act was a calculated and public provocation.
In response to the growing outrage, Ameti resigned from her leadership role in the Green Liberal Party in January and left the party altogether. However, she continues to serve as a member of Zurich’s municipal council.
Initially, Ameti responded to the incident on social media with a brief apology, stating, “I ask for forgiveness from those hurt by my post.” She claimed she did not recognize the religious significance of the artwork at first and took down the images once she understood the offense they caused.
Prosecutors are now seeking a conditional fine of 10,000 Swiss francs (approximately $11,500), an additional penalty of 2,500 francs ($2,900), and the covering of legal costs.
The Swiss civic group Mass-Voll, which filed one of the original complaints, condemned the incident as “a clear incitement to violence against Christians.” Its president, Nicolas Rimoldi, warned that such actions could contribute to growing intolerance and violence toward Christian communities across Europe.
The Swiss Bishops’ Conference also denounced the act, calling it “unacceptable” and expressing that it inflicted “deep hurt among Catholic faithful.” The bishops emphasized the importance of human dignity and respect for all beliefs, regardless of artistic intent or political statements.
Bishop Joseph Bonnemain of Chur later revealed that Ameti had written to him personally, expressing remorse. In a gesture of reconciliation, the bishop publicly forgave her and encouraged believers to do the same. “How could I not forgive her?” he said.
As Switzerland confronts rising secularism and cultural tensions, this case has reignited national conversations about the boundaries of expression, the sanctity of religious symbols, and the responsibilities of public figures in preserving social harmony.