Palestinians: Baroud’s behaviour is individual and dirty

A diplomat said a Palestinian man set fire on an Algerian flag in Gaza is an attempt from some networks to put pressure.

 “People who are occupied and have problems get sympathy from Algeria. We respect them and we understand their situation. Yet, what that man said is baseless,” the diplomat told Echorouk.

Mahmoud Baroud, a Palestinian living in Malaysia, posted video records on his Facebook page showing himself setting fire on an Algerian flag along with photos of senior officials. He justified that as a vengeance against the Algerian consulate in Cairo for refusing to grant a visa for him.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, the diplomat said the consulates “respects people who come to it including our Palestinian brothers. I let you know that our employees speak Arabic fluently. That man said he was received by careless employees who speak French. This is no more than a lie and it does not make sense.”

A number of Palestinians told Echorouk Mahmoud Baroud should be punished for what he did.

Sami Abu Zahri, a spokesman for Hamas movement Sami, said the videos and photos posted on the Internet are inacceptable and do not represent the Palestinian people.

“This man is ignorant. He is not in Gaza. He posted his video from Malaysia. If he was in Gaza, authorities would have took legal measures against him. The Palestinian people do not accept any offence against our Arab brothers,” he added.