OSLO State prosecutors want a ban on the display of Nazi swastikas and other racist symbols in Norway, and a majority of Norwegians back the proposal, the Oslo newspaper *****Aftenposten***** said on Friday.

The proposed ban comes in the wake of the alleged racist killing in January of a 15-year-old boy of mixed race at the hands of a gang of young neo-Nazis known as "Boot Boys".

"We think it is right to prevent the display of symbols or flags that promote racism," State Prosecutor Tor-Geir Myhrer was quoted as saying.

A public opinion survey conducted by ****Aftenposten****** indicated that 77 percent of Norwegians would support a ban on Nazi symbols, while 22 percent disagreed and 7 percent were undecided.

Neighboring Sweden, which also experienced a resurgence of neo-Nazi activity and violence, banned racist symbols, including Hitler and Nazi salutes, in 1996.

Myhrer said a ban would not end racism in Norway, but it could hinder neo-Nazi demonstrations and parades.

(DPA)