A 58-year-old British tourist was detained in Antalya, a resort town on Turkey's central Mediterranean coast, after an incident at a hotel. The man was accused of spitting on a Turkish flag and insulting a state symbol.
The incident reportedly occurred after an argument inside the hotel. Turkish authorities proceeded with the man's detention based on charges of contempt of the flag and state symbols.
Antalya is one of Turkey's main tourist destinations, receiving millions of foreign visitors every year. Turkey has strict laws protecting national symbols, and offenses against the flag or state can result in detentions and criminal proceedings.
The British tourist remained in custody of local authorities while awaiting legal proceedings related to the charges against him.
