Police in Denmark have detained three Muslims on suspicion of supporting ISIS – for selling stickers of a black flag with the Muslim declaration of faith printed on it (shahada).
A man and two women were found in possession of stickers of the “rayat al-sawda” also know as “rayat al-uqab” or just “al-raya” (meaning the “banner” in Arabic), which is a violation of the country’s anti-terror laws.
Investigating officer, Jens Moeller Jensen said 100,000 kroner (£10,640) was seized during Wednesday’s raid.
Ali Daghim, of Palestinian descent, told the AP he sold around 20 car bumper stickers, each costing 50 kroner (£5), which he said had nothing to do with ISIS.
35-year-old Daghim denied supporting the Al Qaeda splinter group, saying the Islamic emblem is used by many Muslims, including jihadists, non violent Islamist groups and Saudi Arabia.
They face preliminary charges – a step short of formal charges – for financially supporting a terrorist organisation and face up to 10 years in prison if convicted.
Prime Minister David Cameron sparked a similar “ISIS flag” debate, which could result in a wave of anti-terror arrests.
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Writing in the Daily Telegraph on 16 August, PM Cameron confirmed that anyone walking around with “ISIS flags” would be arrested with their materials seized.
In light of the murder of US journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff by ISIS, such an order could lead to a disproportionate number of arrests due to misconceptions about the Islamic al-Raya.
