<P> The Romanian Penal Code no longer prohibits flag desecration (as it was the case with the previous penal code). Several laws attempting to reinstate punishments for manifestations which express contempt for the Romanian symbols (according to the constitution, these are the flag, national day, anthem and coat - of - arms) have not been approved . </P> <P> During the Romanian Revolution, the Communist era flag was flown with a hole on the coat of arms . </P> <P> The flag of Saudi Arabia bears the shahada or Islamic declaration of faith . Because the shahada is considered holy, Saudi Arabia's flag code is extremely strict and even the slightest violation amounts to desecration not only of the flag but is also blasphemous to Islam . This has led to several incidents of controversy . In 1994, McDonald's printed carry - out bags bearing the flags of all nations participating in the FIFA World Cup (with a green flag with Saudi Arabia's coat of arms superimposed, rather than the Saudi flag), while Coca - Cola did the same on cans of soda . Because of Saudi outrage, the companies stopped producing those items . Also during the FIFA World Cup, in 2002, Saudi officials protested against printing the flag on a soccer ball on the belief that kicking the creed with the foot was totally unacceptable . </P> <P> In Serbia, flag desecration is illegal and on 20 May 2009 secretary general of the International Workers' Association Ratibor Trivunac was arrested and punished with 10 days in prison for burning an American flag during the visit of the US Vice President Joe Biden . Due to the mass demonstrations and protests, he was freed from prison two days later . </P>

What is the punishment for desecrating the american flag