RantCrush Top 5: August 8, 2017

A couple of Chinese tourists were arrested last Saturday for making a Nazi salute outside of the Reichstag, the parliament building, in Berlin, Germany. The two tourists were posing for photos and raising their arms in the infamous salute, which is banned under the country’s strict anti-hate laws. German police arrested the duo at the site, and they were later released on bail of 500 euros each–however, they could face a fine and up to three years in prison. Some argue that the salute should be considered free expression, but the incident has also prompted debate about how tourists need to adapt to local laws when traveling.

Since the end of World War II, Germany has implemented strict laws prohibiting Nazi symbols, flags, and the phrase “Heil Hitler.” Recently, there has been an increase in the number of Chinese tourists traveling the world, which often can lead to a culture shock. The Chinese government is reportedly trying to educate its citizens on how to behave when traveling, and it is reportedly experimenting with a system to keep track of tourists who often misbehave.

Two Chinese tourists were charged and released on bail in Berlin after making Nazi salutes outside the Reichstag https://t.co/uFXyIEv3vQ pic.twitter.com/9eAxnjRJCy

— New York Times World (@nytimesworld) August 6, 2017

Emma Von Zeipel

Emma Von Zeipel is a staff writer at Law Street Media. She is originally from one of the islands of Stockholm, Sweden. After working for Democratic Voice of Burma in Thailand, she ended up in New York City. She has a BA in journalism from Stockholm University and is passionate about human rights, good books, horses, and European chocolate. Contact Emma at EVonZeipel@LawStreetMedia.com.