Death metal musician accused of affronting Poland’s national emblem

The case, referred to court by the District Prosecutor’s Office in Gdańsk, northern Poland, involves the band’s “Republic of the Unfaithful” tour artwork and merchandise, which feature an image of the white eagle.

The prosecutor’s office cites an expert’s opinion on heraldry and iconography, according to which 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.

Adam Darski, widely known as "Nergal", and Maciej G., who promoted the tour online, both stand accused of publicly affronting the Polish national emblem, which carries a maximum sentence of one year in prison.

In 2012, the Polish Supreme court ruled against Adam Darski after he tore a copy of the Bible while on stage and called the Catholic Church “the most murderous cult on the planet.” (aba/pk)

Source: Rzeczpospolita