Behemoth‘s Adam “Nergal” Darski, designer Rafal Wechterowicz, and another individual have been formally charged by Polish authorities for allegedly insulting the country’s national coat of arms. The investigation was launched back in October over the Behemoth shirt you see below. The Polish government feels that it disrespects the country’s national symbol, which is a punishable offense in Poland. The three men have pled not guilty to the charges, and await their day in court. If found guilty, they could face a fine, as well as deprivation of liberty for up to one year. Ridiculous.

Nergal has since released this statement: “Well… this is the first thing that hit’s me after coming back from a relaxing and sunny holiday trip. Me and 2 other dudes r accused of profaning Polish emblem. What a bummer! PIS-driven Poland is trying its best to nail my ass down… as an example I guess. But first thing is: it is NOT a Polish emblem. Second… let’s leave those arguments for the court case which is to begin shortly…! Is their limits to their obscurity and blindness? Bring it on!”