Chinese tourists arrested after reportedly giving Nazi salute in Berlin

Tourists aren't always aware of the laws existing in the countries they visit, and for two Chinese travelers in Germany, that lack of knowledge ended badly.

The men were arrested on Saturday after reportedly giving the Nazi salute while snapping photos in front of the Berlin's Reichstag building, the home of the German Parliament, notes NPR.

In addition to having very strict laws regarding hate speech and symbols, Germany banned the Nazi party at the close of World War II.

The New York Times reports that both men were charged for law violations and, after paying fines of roughly $600 each, were released.

According to authorities, they could face sentences of up to three years, but were given permission to leave the country while the investigation is pending.

Zhou Anping, the consular director of the Chinese Embassy, said in statement, "[Tourists] should not only travel safely but also legally by respecting local laws, culture and customs and by avoiding words or deeds which would be detrimental to the image of Chinese tourists and their own nation."

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