Rainbow watches cause crisis: the giant company and Malaysia face to face

The seizure of watches from the famous Swedish brand Swatch, produced for Malaysian Pride Week, caused a major crisis.

In Malaysia, where homosexuality is a crime, the government seized rainbow-colored Swatch watches in May. In the Muslim-majority country, this move sparked a strong reaction from international rights organizations as an indication of mounting pressure on the LGBTQ community.

The Swatch Group company filed a lawsuit against the Malaysian government, claiming that this decision tarnished its reputation. Reacting to the seizure of watches sold in many countries under the name “Honor Collection”, the company described the seizure of 172 watches in 16 stores by the Malaysian Ministry of Home Affairs as an “illegal step”.

‘GIVE BACK OUR SCHEDULES’

In the lawsuit filed last month in the Kuala Lumpur High Court, Swatch said “of course, the confiscated watches do not pose a threat to public order, morality or the law,” the Reuters news agency reported. The company stated that the total value of the watches is $14,000, there are no LGBTQ markings on the watches, and the seizure is also against Malaysian laws.

By requesting compensation for the damage and the return of the watches, Swatch informed that its business activities in Malaysia are in serious jeopardy.

Whip punishment for homosexuals

Last year, 18 people were arrested in Malaysia for attending the LGBT community’s Halloween party. Those accused of homosexuality are sentenced to prison and flogging.

Malaysia goes to the polls for local elections next month. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s progressive coalition, targeted by Islamists, will compete against the conservative alliance. Enver İbrahim, on the other hand, says that Islamic rules will increase the effect of criticism and will not allow LGBT rights.