At the end of the day people are free to believe whatever they want from people using a symbol, but it will only betray their own ignorance in its history and still active use in the non-western world. The idea that a symbol still currently used by probably billions shouldn't be used because of connections only westerners make is peak eurocentrism/UScentrism.
No people are not free. Those symbols can land you in jail.
> but it will only betray their own ignorance in its history and still active use in the non-western world.
Yes, but this is desired. No state wants people who are able to think for themselves. People must do what they are told.
Aside from Russia which is hardly "western" and Germany are there other countries where the use of the symbol itself is an offense? I completely agree that the presumption of malice is silly, self-centered and it can cause unwarranted escalation however when push comes to shove it shouldn't go further than a neighbor's spat.