Swiss city councillor apologizes for shooting at poster of Virgin Mary and Jesus

Geneva, September 10, 2024. Swiss city councillor Sania Ameti shot at an auction poster of a 14th-century painting of the Virgin Mary and the baby Jesus and posted a photo on social media of the face pierced by bullets. She later apologized and sought police protection due to threats. Ameti, 32, a Green Party liberal official, initially said she used the poster as a target when she found it "big enough" during shooting practice. Later, she apologized on X to those who were hurt and said she deleted it immediately after realizing the religious content.

The Green Party liberals in Zurich said Ameti has resigned from the party leadership. Its co-chair said Ameti is in a safe place and okay. The website of the media center of the Swiss Roman Catholic Church said Swiss bishops condemned the shooting. Ameti and her family are under police protection due to threats. The consulting firm where Ameti works also decided to terminate the employment relationship.

The photo continues to circulate in Swiss media and online. The poster is an advertisement by Kohler Auction House, showing details of a 14th-century work and scheduled for auction on September 20. Ameti's colleagues distanced themselves from her actions ahead of a referendum. The organization co-founded by Ameti said her actions were wrong and inappropriate, while supporting religious freedom and opposing incitement. Reports say Ameti is a gun enthusiast and lawyer who has made astonishing moves in the past.