British Tourist Arrested in Turkey Over Alleged Disrespect of National Flag

ANTALYA, Turkey — Turkish police have arrested a 58-year-old British tourist in the southern resort town of Alanya after he allegedly spat on a Turkish flag inside a hotel, according to local media reports.

The incident reportedly occurred at a hotel in Alanya, about 130 kilometres east of Antalya, after the tourist became involved in an argument with hotel staff.

According to Turkish news agencies DHA and IHA, the man allegedly turned towards a Turkish flag hanging in the hotel's lobby and spat on it during the confrontation.

The reports did not specify when the incident occurred.

Tourist Remanded in Custody

Hotel staff reported the incident to police, who detained the British national and subsequently took him to the Alanya courthouse.

He was formally arrested on allegations of insulting or degrading a symbol of the Turkish state, according to the reports.

The tourist was remanded in custody and transferred to a prison facility outside Alanya pending further legal proceedings.

There was no immediate statement from the British Embassy regarding the arrest.

Turkish Law Protects National Symbols

Turkey has strict laws governing the treatment of national symbols.

Under Article 300 of the Turkish Penal Code, publicly disrespecting the Turkish flag is a criminal offence punishable by up to three years in prison.

The law reflects the importance attached to the national flag and other symbols of the Turkish state under Turkish legislation.

Foreign visitors are subject to the same laws while in the country.

Previous Case Involving Foreign Tourist

The latest incident follows another case involving a foreign tourist and a Turkish national symbol.

In August 2025, Turkish prosecutors reportedly opened a criminal investigation into a foreign tourist who was accused of performing a pole dance on a Turkish flagpole in Cappadocia.

The tourist reportedly posted footage of the incident on social media, prompting an investigation.

The outcome of that case was not immediately clear.

The Alanya case is now expected to proceed through Turkey's judicial system as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident.