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Charges Dismissed In Case Involving BEHEMOTH Frontman And Poland's National Coat Of Arms

April 16, 2018

BEHEMOTH frontman Adam "Nergal" Darski won't have to face trial for allegedly disrespecting one of Poland's national symbols.

Three months ago, it was announced that Nergal was being formally charged by Polish authorities in a case involving the band's "Republic Of The Unfaithful" tour artwork and merchandise, which was said to be "insulting" to the national coat of arms of Poland, a stylized white eagle with a golden beak and talons, and wearing a golden crown, in a red shield.

The case was referred to court by the District Prosecutor's Office in Gdańsk, northern Poland, which said that an expert on heraldry and iconography determined that the tour's artwork featured "a distorted image of Poland's national emblem."

The artwork "included elements and symbols considered Satanist and anti-Christian, with the aim of conveying content far removed from the historical and state ideology," the prosecutor's office said.

Nergal and Maciej G., who, as the band's webmaster, promoted the tour online, were accused of publicly affronting the Polish national emblem, which carries a maximum sentence of one year in prison. Also charged was Rafał Wechterowicz, the graphic artist who worked on the BEHEMOTH artwork.

Earlier today, Nergal posted an update via Instagram, revealing that "all the absurd charges" against him, Maciej and Rafał were "dismissed." He added: "Another battle won, yet the war ain't over!"

According to Nergal, the design in question "will soon be back in the stock" via the official BEHEMOTH webstore.

Polish symbols are protected against public profanation and insult. According to Lexology.com, any public use that could be damaging or insulting may be considered a criminal offense. Therefore, it is important not to use any national symbol (even if artistically processed) in a way that could be deemed as disrespectful or offensive.

In 2011, Nergal was acquitted in Poland on charges he insulted religious sentiment when he called the Catholic Church "the most murderous cult on the planet" during the band's September 2007 performance in Gdynia and tore up a copy of the Bible, calling it "a book of lies."

European Spring has welcomed me with a gorgeous weather and... a positive verdict in „the republic of the unfaithful” court case! Dismissed and all three of us are free of all the absurd charges! The design will soon be back in the stock so go and visit our webstore and show your support if u will! „The only way to deal with unfree world is to to become so absolutely free so your existence becomes an act of rebellion” said A.Camus. And I try to live my life by these wise and liberating words. It’s not easy tho considering circumstances: the world’s political tendencies, the upcoming tide of wrong interpreted patriotism combined with religious fanatism brings rather fatal solutions and elevates the level of obscurity beyond logic. But do not lose hope my fellow brothers and sisters. THINK FOR YOURSELF. Play your own game just make sure u play it hard and well! Stay independent and honest! Another battle won, yet the war ain’t over!??? PS. Manticore, Rafal Wechterowicz, my lawyers Jacek and Gosia, to work with u guys is an honor and winner ALREADY! Keep it up and FUCK THE SYSTEM!?@behemothwebstore @too_many_skulls

A post shared by Adam Nergal Darski (@nergal69) on

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