Legia Warszawa 'Jihad' banner charges dropped

A complaint was filed after a huge banner with the words “Jihad: Legia Warszawa” was unfurled at a Europa League match between the Israeli side and Legia Warszawa on 30 September.

The banner had been regularly used at matches. However, with an Israeli team taking part in the September match, the media was quick to pick up on the symbolism of a “holy war”, echoing the oft-misunderstood Muslim term.

The Warsaw Prosecutor's Office investigated the matter with regard to Article 256 of the Criminal Code, which pertains to the promotion of fascist or totalitarian views.

However, the prosecutor found that the fans were ignorant of the symbolism of the term, and that the practice should be treated as “stupid attempts” to gain the media's attention.

Jihad, although commonly understood to mean 'holy war,' connotes a more complex range of meanings concerning the struggle of devout Muslims, both internally, with regard to rejecting temptations, and externally in the bid to defend the faith.

Although the Warsaw Prosecutor's Office has rejected the case, Legia Warsawa may yet be punished by Uefa, which will address the matter on 17 November.

The club could face a fine, or even the prospect of a match in which fans are banned from attending. (nh/pg)




Source: PAP