Former Swiss Politician Indicted for Shooting at Image of Mary with Air Pistol
The Zurich public prosecutor has filed charges against Sanija Ameti, a former politician with the Green Liberal Party (GLP), for disturbing religious peace after she allegedly shot an image of the Virgin Mary 20 times with an air pressure pistol. The incident, which sparked widespread outrage after being posted on Instagram, now carries the risk of a substantial fine for Ameti.
The case centers around a shooting exercise conducted by Ameti on September 6, 2024, in the basement of a property in Zurich. According to the indictment, which was confirmed as authentic by Zurich’s chief prosecutor, Ameti used a Walther LPM-1, 4.5mm caliber compressed air rifle to fire 20 shots at a reproduction of “Madonna with child and the Archangel Michael,” a painting by Tommaso del Mazza dating back to around 1375. The target was a page torn from a catalog of the Koller auction house.
The prosecutor’s office stated that the majority of the bullet holes were located in the face and head area of the figures depicted in the image. Ameti herself reportedly posted photos of the shooting and the target on her public Instagram profile, with the caption “Switch off.”
The prosecution is seeking a conditional fine of 10,000 Swiss francs (approximately $11,300 USD) – equivalent to 100 daily rates of 100 francs – along with costs of 2,500 francs. This means Ameti would only be required to pay the fine if she commits another crime within a two-year probationary period.
According to the indictment, Ameti selected the image specifically for the shooting exercise, stating on Instagram that she needed a large motif for 10-meter shooting practice and “didn’t pay attention to the content of the pictures.” However, the public prosecutor argues that Ameti’s actions constituted “an unnecessarily reducing and hurtful disregard and a ridicule of their faith against believing Christians,” and posed a potential threat to religious peace.
The incident has drawn strong reactions from various groups. Nicolas A. Rimoldi, a right-wing critic of COVID-19 measures, expressed satisfaction with the indictment, stating through his organization Mass-full – one of 24 private plaintiffs in the case – that Ameti must be “legally held accountable.” Rimoldi characterized the act as a “call to murder to Christians” and a disruption of religious peace. He also noted that two Muslim individuals had joined the private plaintiffs, finding Ameti’s actions unacceptable.
Ameti has since lost her job at the PR agency Farner, though she reportedly apologized for the incident. She also left the GLP following threats of party exclusion, but remains involved in meetings of the Zurich local council as a non-party member. She and her criminal defense lawyer were unavailable for comment as of Monday morning, as the lawyer is currently on vacation.
The case is now proceeding to court, where Ameti will have the opportunity to defend herself against the charges. The outcome of the trial could set a precedent for similar cases involving potential offenses against religious sensitivities.
