A politician from the northern German city of Delmenhorst found himself at the center of a scandal after posting a provocative photo of a sex doll with SS symbols and a noose around its neck.
According to Reuters, after the incident he was forced to leave his position.
Bulent Buyukbayram, a member of the Christian Democrats in Delmenhorst, placed the inscription “shit St Pauli” on the doll’s head, with the letters “S” stylized to resemble SS symbols. The SS, or Schutzstaffel (“Security Squads”), were one of the key paramilitary forces of Nazi Germany, known for their brutality and involvement in the persecution and extermination of millions of people.
The SS acted as the military elite of the Nazi regime and controlled the concentration camps. The use of their symbols in any form provokes an especially strong reaction in Germany due to the historical trauma.
Hamburg’s St. Pauli football club, known for its alternative fans and left-wing political views, reacted harshly to Buyukbayram’s post. The club is considering filing a lawsuit. To avoid further scandals, Buyukbayram publicly apologized and resigned from all his positions.
“It was a stupid mistake. I am receiving serious threats. I have apologized to St. Pauli,” the politician told the German publication Bild.
It is worth noting that St. Pauli has a reputation as a club with a progressive position: its fans actively advocate for social and environmental initiatives, support for refugees and the protection of minority rights.
Previously, Kursor reported that the Otzma Yehudit party was involved in an advertising scandal.
