The authorities will impose harsher penalties, even in the form of jail terms, for the vandalizing of graves, monuments, places venerated by persons of different cults or attacking of persons in religious places and near them. This is provided in a bill to amend the Contravention Code and the Penal Code that was approved by the Cabinet following acts of vandalism that were recently committed at the Jewish Cemetery in Chisinau, IPN reports.

Minister of Justice Fadei Nagacevschi said the bill is an additional public expression of Moldova’s and authorities’ intention to counteract any manifestation of religious intolerance on Moldova’s territory. The current penalties are not a serious obstacle that would prevent such acts in the future.

Under the bill, the fine will rise from 900 to 1,800 lei. Furthermore, the limits of the fines and jail terms stipulated in the Penal Code will be raised.

The bill is to be examined and adopted by Parliament.