Protesters in Thailand who oppose the country’s military coup have been using the three-finger salute featured in The Hunger Games to show their opposition.

'Hunger Games' Salute Used In Thai Protests

Over the weekend, the salute was spotted in a number of flash mob protests, reported the Washington Post. Some individuals were spotted raising up the symbol of resistance by themselves. Anti-coup activist Sombat Boonngam-anaong has been among those encouraging the gesture.

“Raising three fingers has become a symbol in calling for fundamental political rights,” Sombat Boonngam-anong wrote on his Facebook page. The activist urged people to raise “3 fingers, 3 times a day” out in public, but to be mindful of police or military personal.

“We know it comes from the movie, and let’s say it represents resistance against the authorities. If a single individual raises three fingers in the air, we are not going to arrest him or her,” Col. Weerachon Sukhondhapatipak, a spokesman for the junta, said. “But if it is a political gathering of five people or more, then we will have to take some action. If it persists, then we will have to make an arrest.”

In The Hunger Games series, the three-finger salute first emerges in an early scene in the first movie, when Katniss steps up to take her little sister’s place as a Tribute in the annual battle-to-the-death spectacle. It symbolizes rebellion against authoritarian rule and solidarity throughout the films.

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