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Germany pulls detergent over neo-Nazi code

A laundry detergent featuring an image of a large number 88, a neo-Nazi code, on a white soccer jersey has sparked anger in Germany.

Detergent manufacturer Procter and Gamble has prompted anger in Germany after unintentionally placing a neo-Nazi code on promotional packages for Ariel washing powder.

Outraged shoppers have posted pictures online of Ariel boxes featuring a large number 88 on a white soccer jersey.

The use of Nazi slogans in public is banned in Germany, which neo-Nazis often try to circumvent by using codes.

They use 88 to represent the phrase Heil Hitler, because H is the eighth letter of the alphabet.

Similarly, 18 is used to stand for AH or Adolf Hitler.

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Procter and Gamble acknowledged on Friday that the number was "unintentionally ambiguous".

Spokeswoman Melanie Schnitzler said the company has stopped shipping the offending powder, as well as a liquid detergent that was being promoted as Ariel 18.


1 min read

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Source: AAP



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