Penalties for the deliberate destruction or damage of historical and cultural monuments are being tightened, APA reports.
This is reflected in the proposed amendment to the Criminal Code, which was discussed at today's session of the Milli Majlis
Under the current law, the deliberate destruction or damage of historical and cultural monuments protected by the state is punishable by a fine ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 manats, or by imprisonment for up to two years.
According to the draft amendment, deliberately damaging movable or immovable cultural property protected by the state, causing significant damage, will be punishable by a fine of up to twice the amount of the damage caused, or by restriction of liberty for up to two years, or by imprisonment for the same term.
The deliberate destruction of movable cultural property protected by the state will be punishable by a fine ranging from twice to three times the amount of the damage caused, or by restriction of liberty for up to three years, or by imprisonment for the same term.
The deliberate destruction of immovable cultural property protected by the state will be punishable by a fine ranging from three to five times the amount of the damage caused, or by restriction of liberty for three to five years, or by imprisonment for the same term.
The above-mentioned acts, if:
- committed repeatedly;
- committed by an official abusing their official position;
- committed by a group of persons acting in prior conspiracy, an organized group, or a criminal organization;
- committed on the grounds of national, racial, or religious hatred, or religious fanaticism,
will be punishable by imprisonment for four to eight years, with or without deprivation of the right to hold certain positions or engage in certain activities for up to three years.
“Cultural property protected by the state” refers to cultural assets included in the protection list in accordance with the Law “On Culture,” as well as cultural assets for which a decision has been made identifying them as cultural property before their inclusion in the list or before a decision to deny their inclusion.
"A significant amount" means an amount exceeding three thousand manats.
The draft law was put to a vote and passed on first reading.
If adopted, the law will come into force on February 1, 2026.
