Jailing for showing disrespect to Saudi flag

Cairo: Saudi prosecution authorities have warned that showing disrespect to the national flag is an offence punishable by jailing and a fine, online newspaper Ajel has reported.

The Saudi flag is green in colour with a white inscription in Arabic proclaiming Islam’s monotheism or shahada, “There is no god but Allah and Mohammed is the messenger of Allah.”

The flag also carries a sword in white. The banner is never lowered at half-mast as it carries the holy monotheism proclamation.

“Anyone dropping, destroying or insulting the national flag, the royal flag or any other emblem of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia or of any friendly foreign country out of hatred or contempt for the government authority or those countries in public will be punished by up to one year in prison and a fine of 3,000 riyals or one of these two penalties,” the public prosecution said.

The warning comes as Saudi Arabia is preparing to celebrate its 90th National Day anniversary on Wednesday.