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Here’s how other countries treat disrespect for national anthem

Ilustracija

After proposed amendments to the national symbols law in Montenegro, which envisages penalizing disrespect for the anthem, many people started to wonder whether this was necessary.

Here’s how the countries in Europe handle this issue…

France

France has created the strictest national-anthem law, which entered into force in 2003 when they first introduced fines for disrespecting the national anthem in public and even distribute images of the action being undertaken in a private setting. Anyone who outrages the French national anthem will have to pay a EUR 7,500 fine, and in case he/she takes part in an organized activity, there’s a half-year jail term.

Germany

This issue hasn’t been determined by the law, but there are rules on the national symbols, stipulating that anyone who “reviles or damages” the German federal flag will receive up to 3 years in prison.

Albania

Albania’s Criminal Code prescribes a fine or up to 3-month imprisonment for destroying the flag or coat of arms of the Republic. Anyone publicly reviling the flag or other national symbol during an event organized by the state, will be punished by a fine or up to 3 months in prison, as these acts represent criminal offences.

Bulgaria

If someone insults the national anthem in Bulgaria, damages the flag or the flag and the EU’s anthem, they could go to prison for up to 2 years or pay a fine of up to EUR 1,500.

Hungary

In Hungary, a person disrespecting the national symbols cannot serve more than 1 year in prison.

Turkey

The Turkish laws say anyone who disrespects its national anthem in public will be imprisoned for 6 months to 2 years.

 Latvia

For a person who commits pulling down, tearing, breaking or destroying the Latvian Coat of Arms or the national flag of Latvia, or other desecration of these State symbols, or public desecration of the national anthem of Latvia, the applicable sentence is deprivation of liberty for a term not exceeding three years or a fine not exceeding fifty times the minimum monthly wage.

Ukraine

Ukraine penalizes disrespect for the national symbols by a fine of up to 50% of minimum tax-free income or an imprisonment of up to 3 years.

 

 

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