The founding, joining or supporting of fascist, racist or xenophobe organizations will be punished with ten years in jail. A relevant bill to amend the law on the freedom of expression and the Penal Code was approved by the Parliament’s commission on appointments and immunities, IPN reports, quoting the legislature’s press service.

Under the bill, the persons found guilty will be punished with five to ten years in jail and ban on holding particular posits or performing particular activities for a period of up to ten years. The legal entity will be punished with a fine of at most 150,000 lei and with liquidation.

For the denial or challenging in public of the Holocaust and its effects, the punishment will be up to five years in jail and ban on holding particular posits or performing particular activities for a period of up to five years.

The informative note to the bill says that by such a law, Moldova affirms its commitment to fight racial discrimination, xenophobia and anti-Semitism. The legislative proposal was formulated by Socialist MPs Nikita Țurcan, Gaik Vartanean, Vitalii Evtodiev and Vasile Bolea. It is to be debated in Parliament.