What happens in Russia if you burn the flag?
Asked by: Austyn Prosacco | Last update: February 12, 2026Score: 5/5 (46 votes)
In Russia, burning the national flag is a criminal offense, treated as an act of disrespect or insult to state symbols, potentially leading to penalties like a restriction of freedom (up to two years), arrest (three to six months), or imprisonment (up to a year), under the Russian Federation Criminal Code (Article 329). Such acts are seen as a deliberate tarnishing of the flag's honor, similar to other prohibited actions like tearing or trampling it.
Is flag burning illegal in Russia?
In Russia, flag desecration is punishable under the Russian Federation Criminal Code by either limitation of freedom for a term of up to two years, or arrest for a term of from three to six months, or by imprisonment for up to a year.
What is the punishment for burning a flag?
§ 700. Desecration of the flag of the United States; penalties 713. "(a) Whoever knowingly casts contempt upon any flag of the United States by publicly mutilating, defacing, defiling, burning, or trampling upon it shall be fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.
What happens if you burn a flag in another country?
In some countries, desecrating a flag is illegal and punishable by a prison sentence or a fine. In countries where it is not, the act may still be prosecuted as disorderly conduct or arson or, if conducted on someone else's property, as theft or vandalism.
Did Johnson go to jail for burning the flag?
Johnson was eventually convicted under Texas' flag desecration law, which prohibited anyone from intentionally or knowingly desecrating a flag in a way they knew would seriously offend someone else. He was sentenced to a year in jail and fined $2,000.
Ukrainian soldiers burn Russian flag in Vovchansk as they regain territory
What are the 5 American flag rules?
Five key American flag rules include displaying it from sunrise to sunset (or illuminated at night), ensuring it never touches the ground or anything beneath it, not using it as clothing or for advertising, keeping it clean and undamaged, and always allowing it to fly freely with the union (stars) in the upper left.
Is it illegal to burn the American flag in Texas?
“In Texas v. Johnson, 491 U.S. 397 (1989), the Supreme Court struck down on First Amendment grounds a Texas flag-desecration law. The 5-4 decision has served as the center point of a continuing debate regarding the value of free speech as exercised through the burning of the U.S. flag as a form of political protest.”
What countries don't allow flag burning?
It's illegal to burn national flags in many countries, including Germany, France, Russia, China, India, the Philippines, and Israel, with penalties ranging from fines to years in prison, while some nations like the UK, Canada, and the U.S. protect it as free speech, though Denmark prohibits burning foreign flags but allows its own. Laws often target disrespect for national symbols, with specific prohibitions on flag burning or desecration under criminal codes.
Is it illegal to fly a ripped American flag?
You can legally fly a ripped American flag, as there are no penalties, but the U.S. Flag Code strongly advises against it, stating that a tattered, dirty, or worn flag is no longer a fitting emblem and should be retired with dignity (often by burning). It's considered disrespectful to the nation and military veterans to display a flag in poor condition, so take it down, repair it if possible, or dispose of it properly when it becomes unserviceable.
Can you burn the flag in Germany?
The Anti-Flag Desecration Law of 1932 banned flag desecration by "insulting or maliciously and with intent belittling" the German Reich, its states, their constitution, colors, or flags, or the Wehrmacht.
Can I burn an American flag to dispose of it?
According to the resolution, "The approved method of disposing of unserviceable flags has long been that they be destroyed by burning." The U.S. flag is considered such a sacred symbol that burning it in an undignified manner constitutes desecration. That's why the ceremonies are held in a specific manner.
How do you get rid of the American flag?
You can bury a flag in the ground in a well-constructed container to keep it protected. In the U.S. Flag Code, it states the cloth should not come in contact with the ground or dirt. Fold it properly and place it in the box. Take a moment of silence or respectfully say a few words as you bury the box.
Do you have to burn your flag if it touches the ground?
The Flag Code states that the flag should not touch anything beneath it, including the ground. This is stated to indicate that care should be exercised in the handling of the flag, to protect it from becoming soiled or damaged. You are not required to destroy the flag when this happens.
What is the only flag that can be flown above the US flag?
The only flags that can fly above the U.S. flag are the Church Pennant (during Navy church services at sea) and, at the UN headquarters, the United Nations flag (in a special position of honor, but not within the U.S.). U.S. law (Title 4 of the U.S. Code) states the American flag should always have superior prominence, but these specific exceptions exist for military tradition and international representation.
Why do sports not show the Russian flag?
Russian and Belarusian competitors have been banned from competing under their countries' flags at Olympic and Paralympic events since Russia invaded neighbouring Ukraine in February 2022.
Is burning a flag a war crime?
For most of American history, burning or otherwise desecrating the flag was a crime. The U.S. Supreme Court weighed in on the issue several times in the 20th century before reaching its landmark decision in Texas v. Johnson (1989), holding that flag burning—despite its offensive nature—was a protected form of speech.
What does a flipped American flag mean?
The "backwards" American flag, seen on military uniforms, symbolizes the flag always moving forward, with the blue field of stars leading the way as if carried into battle by a charging soldier, never retreating. Worn on the right shoulder, it represents respect, courage, and the nation's forward momentum, appearing to stream in the wind. It's a deliberate tradition, not a mistake, adhering to flag etiquette for uniforms and vehicles.
Is the blue line flag disrespectful?
The thin blue line U.S. flag has been banned by some police departments in the United States for its associations with ideologies described as "undemocratic, racist, and bigoted."
Is it illegal to fly a black flag on a boat?
It's not illegal (unless you are not adhering to other regulations), most people will just think you are an idiot.
Which country is 🏴?
The 🏴 emoji, often combined with other flag components, represents countries like England (🏴), Scotland (🏴), and Wales (🏴), but the standalone black flag emoji (🏴) is a generic "Black Flag" or "Pirate Flag" (🏴☠️) and not a country itself, though it's used in sequences to create specific flags on some platforms like WhatsApp. It's part of Unicode's recommended flags for nations and subdivisions, but the specific country flags often rely on regional support or two-letter codes (like 🇬🇧 for UK) on systems like Windows.
What color is 75% of all flags?
Red is the color found on roughly 75% (or more) of all national flags, making it the most prevalent, followed by white and blue, symbolizing courage, sacrifice, and revolution in many cultures. Data suggests red appears on around 74-77% of flags, with white close behind at 71-73%, and blue at about 50%.
Are any flags illegal in the US?
No flags are universally illegal in the U.S. due to First Amendment free speech protections, but restrictions exist for specific situations like HOA rules, local ordinances (public safety/aesthetics), and for how the U.S. Flag is treated (e.g., not for apparel, advertising, or desecration) under the U.S. Flag Code, though burning the U.S. flag itself remains protected symbolic speech, as decided by the Supreme Court.
What was Johnson's punishment for burning the flag?
Texas Court of Criminal Appeals affirmed. Activist Gregory Lee Johnson was convicted for burning an American flag during a protest outside the 1984 Republican National Convention in Dallas, Texas, and was fined $2,000 and sentenced to one year in jail in accordance with Texas law.
Can you go to jail for burning the American flag?
No. The Court has recognized that the First Amendment protects certain forms of symbolic speech. Flag burning is such a form of symbolic speech.
Can the Texas flag be flown over the American flag?
No flag in any display shall fly above the U.S. or State of Texas flag.