In Japan, it's illegal to desecrate a foreign state's flag, but only if the foreign state lodges a formal diplomatic complaint concerning the incident. I found this to be an interesting law in that it's legal but only as long as the foreign state doesn't lodge a formal complaint; but since the actor has no control over whether the foreign state could lodge a formal complaint, it's therefore wise to not take the risk. Oddly enough, that means that it's legally safer in Japan to burn the Japanese flag itself than that of any foreign state!
Apparently the motive behind this law is to prevent Japanese citizens from committing acts that could potentially undermine Japan's diplomatic work abroad. I'm not sure that I agree with that law, but I found it intriguing anyway even if I might not entirely agree with it. What are your thoughts on this?
Apparently the motive behind this law is to prevent Japanese citizens from committing acts that could potentially undermine Japan's diplomatic work abroad. I'm not sure that I agree with that law, but I found it intriguing anyway even if I might not entirely agree with it. What are your thoughts on this?