ADVERTISEMENTThree Lebanese teenagers have created an internet anti-terror sensation with their #BurnISISFlagChallenge
The trio took to a square in Beirut and burnt a flag in front of the Justice ministry, calling on others to do the same and post their images online.
Their protest came after ISIL Islamist terrorists kidnapped 20 Lebanese soldiers and beheaded an army sergeant.
The aim, as one Tweet said, was to “burn flags in anger to protest against the people who cut throats for fun“.
The hashtag #burnisisflagchallenge has gone viral on Twitter and hundreds have posted their own burnings online.
But the event has attracted praise and criticism in equal measure.
The Lebanese Justice Minister called for the “sternest punishment” because the flag has the Muslim declaration of faith.
The writing on the flag declares: “There is no god but God and Muhammad is his prophet.“
But this was challenged by a member of the country’s parliament, who offered his services as a lawyer should the case go to court.
The ISIL militants came to the forefront after the very public beheadings of US journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff. The group has threatened to kill a UK subject next.
One Tweet said: “For those who complain about #BurnISISFlagChallenge, I understand. But u kno what’s more insulting to Allah & Prophet? Killing in their name.“
Another suggested in response that defiling the name of the prophet Mohammed was far worse than murder.
It's not the #icebucketchallenge, but the Middle East now has the #burnISISflagchallenge: http://t.co/4vrkQwvehd
— AJ+ (@ajplus) September 5, 2014
هيدي نسخة منقّحة ليلّي بيحب يحرق العلم بلا ما يخدش حدا. #BurnISISFlagChallengehttp://t.co/5gzqr8c9L1
— Big Hajjar (@BigHajjar) August 30, 2014
#BurnISISFlagChallenge 1st: Burn; If it doesn't work, we go with an eye for an eye: Behead http://t.co/LShk0mPvPApic.twitter.com/OQKItd3it4
— Anthony Samaha (@anthonysamaha) September 5, 2014
Islamist group ISIS targeted by viral Lebanese campaign called #BurnISISFlagChallengehttp://t.co/77Rkn7JqH4pic.twitter.com/i03aPlqGGs
— The Daily Dot (@dailydot) September 4, 2014
Never support Arabs burning flags, usually, but shout out to the people of Lebanon for burning ISIS' flag. #BurnISISFlagChallenge
— Gavin Hufsey (@hufseyg) September 5, 2014
#burnIsisflagchallenge show some respect, that flag got the name of allah and his prophet on it, I'm against ISIS but there are other methds
— Moussa Bouhali (@Elunicokekedaba) September 5, 2014