The incident occurred in Alanya, located in the southern Antalya province. Briton Stephen Kerr was staying at a hotel in the Dinek district of Alanya, reports “Türkiye Today” and “The Sun”.
For an undisclosed reason, the tourist argued with the hotel staff. It is reported that during the conflict he turned to the Turkish flag hanging in the lobby and spat on it.
Detained by hotel staff
After the incident, outraged hotel staff detained the Briton and called the police. Officers who arrived at the hotel took the man to the Alanya police station.
Since the tourist did not speak Turkish, he gave his testimony with the help of an interpreter. Later, the man was taken to the Alanya courthouse.
Read more Elite stability: Zverev in the third consecutive «Grand Slam» final
The court ordered his detention on suspicion of insulting symbols of state sovereignty. S. Kerr was taken to a high-security prison in Alanya.
Imprisonment threat for insulting the flag
In Turkey, state symbols are protected by law, and public desecration or insult of the national flag can be punishable by up to three years in prison.
A spokesperson for the United Kingdom’s Foreign Office confirmed that the institution is providing assistance to the Briton detained in Turkey and is maintaining contact with local authorities. However, the embassy cannot ensure the release of its citizen from a foreign country’s prison.
Read more 40-year-old Lady Gaga gave birth to her first child: first photos are spreading
