Story By Marija Stojkoska /Harrisons
News Editor Ajda Ender /Harrisons
A 58-year-old British tourist has been arrested and faces up to three years in prison in Turkey after allegedly spitting on a Turkish flag following an argument with staff in a hotel lobby.
British tourist Stephen Kerr escorted by police officers in Alanya, Antalya, Turkey, after being detained over spitting on a Turkish flag, Sept. 9, 2026. Note: Image is a screenshot of social media post. (Harrisons)
The incident took place at a hotel in the Dinek neighbourhood of Alanya, a popular Mediterranean resort town in Antalya Province in southern Turkey, on 9th September.
Stephen Kerr was staying at the hotel while on holiday when he reportedly became involved in an argument with employees.
The reason for the dispute was not disclosed in reports.
Kerr allegedly spat on a Turkish flag hanging in the hotel lobby after the argument.
Hotel employees detained Kerr following the incident and alerted police.
Officers from the Alanya Police Department’s Security Bureau arrived at the hotel and took him into custody.
Kerr was taken to Alanya District Police Headquarters, where he gave his statement with the assistance of an interpreter.
He was subsequently transferred to Alanya Courthouse after police completed their proceedings.
A duty magistrate then ordered Kerr to be remanded in custody on suspicion of insulting symbols of state sovereignty.
The alleged offence, described by Turkish authorities as “insulting the symbols of state sovereignty”, relates to the Turkish flag displayed inside the hotel.
Kerr was subsequently sent to Alanya L-Type Closed Prison following the court decision.
Under Article 300 of the Turkish Penal Code, which covers insulting the symbols of state sovereignty, Kerr could face a prison sentence of between one and three years if convicted.
The reports did not give any further details about the argument with hotel staff or indicate whether Kerr made any statement about the alleged incident.
(Marija Stojkoska/Harrisons)
Loading ...