KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — A Malaysian court ruled in favor of Swiss watchmaker Swatch on Monday, determining that the government must return 172 seized Swatch watches. The watches were confiscated last year, as authorities claimed their designs contained elements associated with the LGBT community.
Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution responded promptly, stating that the government would await the complete judgment of the court before making any decisions regarding a potential appeal.
The Kuala Lumpur High Court found that the watches were wrongfully taken without the necessary warrant, according to the Bernama news agency. The court mandated that the authorities must return the watches within a span of 14 days, additionally indicating that Swatch has the right to seek compensation should any of the watches be found damaged, as reported by Bernama.
Representatives from Swatch were not available for immediate comment on the ruling.
In predominantly Muslim Malaysia, laws against same-sex relationships are stringent, with penalties that can include caning under Islamic regulations and up to 20 years in prison for sodomy as dictated by colonial-era civil statutes.
In May of the previous year, government officials raided various Swatch stores across Malaysia, seizing items from the company’s Pride Collection. These watches feature diverse designs, some adorned with rainbow-colored straps while others are available in six solid colors that represent the pride flag. Swatch rebutted claims that these products were harmful, emphasizing their message of peace and love instead.
Subsequent to the seizure, the Malaysian government instituted a ban on all Swatch merchandise that included any elements related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer identities—affecting not just the watches but also their packaging. This prohibition was incorporated into a printing law addressing distribution and possession, driven by fears that such products might undermine national morality. Violators could face up to three years in prison or fines if found in possession of these items.
