Zurich councilor apologizes for shooting Madonna poster

A Zurich city councilor, Sanija Ameti, recently faced backlash after she shot a sporting pistol at a poster depicting a 14th-century Madonna and child painting. The incident occurred over the weekend, and Ameti shared images of the damaged poster on social media, which she later deleted upon realizing the religious significance of the artwork. She claimed the poster was a suitable target for her shooting practice, conducted from a distance of about 10 meters. Following the incident, Ameti issued an apology, expressing regret for any hurt caused by her actions. She acknowledged her lack of consideration for the religious content of the poster and stated that she had received threats, prompting her to seek police protection. The Zurich chapter of her political party, the Green-Liberal party, initiated expulsion proceedings against her, while her employer terminated her employment. The shooting sparked outrage, particularly among religious communities, with Swiss bishops condemning her actions as offensive to many Catholics. The controversy intensified as the images circulated widely in Swiss media, leading to public discussions about the implications of her behavior, especially in light of upcoming referendums on national and local issues. Ameti, known for her past stunts and as a firearms enthusiast, faced significant criticism from various groups, including Operation Libero, which she co-founded. They labeled her actions as inappropriate and acknowledged the need for respect towards religious beliefs, emphasizing the importance of religious freedom and the rejection of incitement.