Trump Calls for 'Consequences' for Protesters Who Burn US Flag

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump called Tuesday for stiff penalties for protesters who burn American flags, even though the country's Supreme Court has ruled that it is a protected form of free speech.


"Nobody should be allowed to burn the American flag - if they do, there must be consequences - perhaps loss of citizenship or year in jail!" Trump said on his Twitter account.

It was not immediately clear what prompted the president-elect's tweet. But it came days after a college in the northeastern state of Massachusetts decided to stop flying U.S. flags after students allegedly burned a flag in protest of the Republican Trump's stunning upset win in the presidential election three weeks ago over Democrat Hillary Clinton.

On Sunday, veterans of the U.S. armed services and other demonstrators protested the no-flag decision by officials at Hampshire College. The school said it welcomes peaceful discussions about the flag, which is revered by millions of Americans.
 [voanews.com]
29/11/16