Israeli government outlaws Nazi images

JERUSALEM, Jan. 9 (UPI) -- A law passed by the Israeli government Monday will make it illegal to use any Nazi or Holocaust imagery, symbols or name-calling, officials say.

Ynetnews reported that violators will face a fine of 100,000 NIS (about $26,000) and six months in jail.

The law comes after a recent protest staged by ultra-Orthodox groups, with participants wearing striped uniforms and yellow stars resembling those worn by concentration camp victims during the Holocaust.

Two men were arrested recently for posting a picture online that depicted the Jerusalem police chief in a Nazi SS uniform, the Jerusalem Post reported.

The Justice Ministry opposed the law, saying it would cause harm to freedom of expression.