Upside down flag not a crime

Portugal’s Public Prosecutor has ruled “not a crime” the hoisting of an upside down national flag during the official ceremony to mark the Foundation of the Republic of Portugal on October 5 last year. Five lawsuits that had been filed by private individuals who considered the act to be an offence against a national symbol have thus been archived. During last year’s celebrations at the Lisbon City Hall, the President of the Republic Cavaco Silva was watched by the nation as he hoisted an upside down Flag of Portugal. The Public Prosecutor says there was no intention to deliberately disrespect the national symbol.