Mon Nov 25 08:37:59 UTC 2024: ## Malaysian Court Orders Return of Seized Swatch Watches After Ruling Against Government
**Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia** – A Kuala Lumpur High Court has ordered the Malaysian government to return 172 Swatch watches seized last year due to their LGBTQ pride designs. The court ruled the May 2023 seizure was illegal, as authorities lacked a search warrant. The watches, valued at approximately $14,000, were confiscated from 11 shopping malls.
Swatch, the Swiss watchmaker, had sued the government, arguing the watches promoted “peace and love,” not sexual activity. Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution stated the government respects the court’s decision and will await the full judgment before determining its next course of action.
This ruling follows a series of incidents targeting LGBTQ+ expression in Malaysia, including the cancellation of the Good Vibes Festival after a same-sex kiss on stage and a raid on an LGBTQ-friendly Halloween party. Malaysia’s laws criminalize same-sex sexual activity under both civil and Islamic law. Swatch Group CEO Nick Hayek previously criticized the raids, questioning whether the government would also confiscate rainbows in nature.
First Piper 