Lower Saxony election: State security police investigate Greens postcard featuring Nazi symbols

State security police in Friesland are investigating a Greens postcard distributed in the municipality of Wangerland because it features banned Nazi symbols.

A police spokesperson confirmed the investigation after the Nordwest-Zeitung reported on the postcard. An image published by the newspaper carries the message, “If you do not go to the polls, the election result will come to you.” It shows a couple trying to shut their front door against a crowd rushing toward them. A swastika and other Nazi symbols appear on the crowd’s clothing.

The Greens’ Lower Saxony organization said the postcard was not part of a current statewide campaign or the present local election campaign. An agency designed it 10 years ago, the party said. The Greens described the image as a clear warning against National Socialism and an appeal to vote.

The party also said the postcard had been examined at the time and found not to be relevant under criminal law. It said it was calm about the outcome of the current investigation.