(BEIRUT, LEBANON) — Teens in Lebanon have reportedly kicked off a new campaign aimed at countering the Islamic State — with the Burn ISIS Flag Challenge.
Mediaite reported that one commenter on a YouTube video showing the burning of the widely recognized symbol reads: “I nominate the whole world to #Burn_ISIS_Flag_Challenge. You have 24 hours. GO!!”
The Lebanese justice minister, meanwhile, says the action isn’t acceptable.
He said that anyone caught buying the Islamic State flags would face the “sternest punishments” possible, Mediaite reported. He said the flag represents Muslims’ declaration of faith and those who burn anything with the flag’s text on it are being purposely provocative, the news outlet reported.
Aat least one member of the country’s parliament has offered to serve as the boys’ lawyer should the case go to court.
Desecrating religious symbols and inciting sectarian strife are both punishable under Lebanese law.
The #BurnISISFlagChallenge was inspired by this summer’s viral ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, a fundraising effort for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.