Law enforcement officers claimed that the similar colors could “cause provocation”
Israeli police have seized a Hungarian flag from a protester, citing similarities to the Palestinian flag, which could “cause provocation,” Haaretz reports.
Although both flags feature red, white, and green, they are visually distinct. The Hungarian flag is a horizontal tricolor, while Palestine’s has four colors, including a black stripe and a red triangle.
According to the report published on Saturday, the incident occurred during an anti-government demonstration at Karkur Junction in northern Israel last week.
The protester was waving the Hungarian flag when he noticed a policewoman watching him.
“Three out of the four colors of the Palestinian flag also appear in the Hungarian flag, so I told her it was a Hungarian flag,” he said, as quoted by Haaretz.
The officer called a commander, who confiscated it.
“When I explained to him that it was the Hungarian flag, he said, ‘You might understand that, but others don’t,’” the protester said, adding that it was returned to him after the demonstration ended.
Police legal guidance issued in 2024 prohibits the confiscation of protest signs, even if they are critical or provocative.
Earlier this month, officers reportedly confiscated and broke a sign reading “Two states for two peoples – Israel and Palestine,” detaining the protester on suspicion of incitement. An officer was quoted as saying: “I’ve filled my quota for tonight.”
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The Association for Civil Rights in Israel has reportedly contacted police leadership, urging enforcement of rules that prohibit interference in protests.
The police have not provided a substantive response to Haaretz, stating only that the complaint would be addressed by the “relevant authorities.”
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