The Canadian Press - ONLINE EDITION

Zippo withdraws offensive lighters sold by German retailer of neo-Nazi propaganda

Zippo's German distributor is withdrawing a number of lighters bearing militaristic designs after they showed up on an extremist website that sells anti-Semitic and neo-Nazi clothing and accessories.

Zippo Manufacturing Co. is the venerable Pennsylvania company that produced the offensive lighters. Zippo says it had no idea the designs carried a negative connotation and apologized for bringing the lighters to market.

One lighter bears the image of a soldier and the word "Landser." That's an old German word for foot soldier, but also the name of a German neo-Nazi rock band whose members were convicted of hate crimes a decade ago.

Nazi imagery is illegal in Germany.

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.

Have Your Say

New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.

The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.

letters

Make text: Larger | Smaller

LATEST VIDEO

Claude Noel on the Jets' disappointing last game of the season

View more like this

Photo Store Gallery

  • PHIL.HOSSACK@FREEPRESS.MB.CA 100527-Winnipeg Free Press THe Provencher Foot Bridge is lit up
  • Marc Gallant / Winnipeg Free Press. Local- Weather standup. Sundog. Refraction of light through ice crystals which caused both the sun dog and and fog along McPhillips Road early Wednesday morning. 071205.

View More Gallery Photos

Poll

Do you miss the era of drive-in movie theatres?

View Results

View Related Story

Ads by Google