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A man who was arrested for flying a gay pride flag from his home says he had no idea of its meaning - claiming he just thought it was "pretty".

The doctor came to the attention of religious authorities when he flew the flag at home in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

They took exception to it because homosexuality is still illegal in the kingdom.

He said that he bought the offending flag online after one of his children found the colours pretty.

But when he hoisted it at his house on a three-metre flagpole, the Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice arrested him, according to Albawaba.

He has since been bailed, and the flag has been taken down.

(Image: Getty Images)

As in many Middle Eastern nations, LGBT rights are not recognized by the government of Saudi Arabia, widely seen as immoral and indecent activities.

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Anyone found to be committing homosexual, transgender or cross-dressing offences may find themselves jailed, fined, whipped or put to death.