The Prefecture responds to the indignation aroused by the tattoo of a policeman, deemed "neo-Nazi"

It is a tattoo that feeds the controversy on social networks, while demonstrations against racism and police violence are increasing. On Sunday, a surfer posted on Twitter the photo of a police officer, seen in the 10th arrondissement of Paris, accusing him of wearing "a neo-Nazi tattoo". The police officer wears, in fact, a string of black crosses, also called iron crosses, tattooed on the forearm. If it currently symbolizes the Bundeswehr , the German national army, the black pattée cross remains a controversial symbol.

I was drinking a beer on the terrace in the 10th and cops arrived, one with tattoos of "iron cross", it's not racist there, it's neo-Nazi. @ prefpolicepic.twitter.com / Ry5Gqlie5r

The Iron Cross is one of the highest German military distinctions and was created long before the Nazis came to power. However, it was widely used in the Third Reich for propaganda purposes. Adolf Hitler was himself decorated with it. Years later, the iron cross entered popular culture, sometimes symbols of biker gangs or used in the world of metal music. 

The Prefecture is studying the follow-up

Questioned by Europe 1 on the subject, the Prefecture indicated that "the wearing of tattoos, in the same way as the beard, mustache, jewelry, fashion accessories by personnel assigned to the national police services must not contravene obligations ethics of neutrality, impartiality, dignity and exemplarity that apply to staff ".

And to specify: "Permanent or temporary tattoos can not be admitted as soon as they constitute a manifest sign of belonging to a political, trade union, confessional or associative organization or if they attack the fundamental values ​​of the Nation." Concerning the situation of the police officer seen in the 10th arrondissement of Paris, the Prefecture indicates that "the follow-up to be given is under study".