The Verkhovna Rada has passed in the first reading a draft law that would criminalise the intentional destruction, destruction, or damage to cultural heritage sites. The initiative is aimed at fulfilling Ukraine’s obligations following the ratification of the Council of Europe Convention on Offences against Cultural Property.
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According to the co-chair of the European Solidarity faction, Iryna Gerashchenko, 259 MPs voted in favour of Bill No. 12310. The document proposes not only to establish criminal liability for damage to cultural monuments, but also to increase penalties for illegal archaeological excavations.
The draft law is part of Ukraine’s efforts to protect its cultural heritage, which is suffering from military operations and acts of vandalism. It is expected to be submitted for a second reading after being finalised.
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