Three-Year Jail Terms Proposed In China For Disrespecting National Anthem And Flag

Reuters: China considers three-year jail terms for disrespecting national anthem, flag

BEIJING (Reuters) - China’s largely rubber-stamp parliament is considering jail terms of up to three years for people who disrespect the national anthem or flag in public, while an existing anthem law will be applied in Hong Kong, state media said on Tuesday.

Xi Jinping has ushered in new legislation aimed at securing China from threats both within and outside its borders since taking over as president in 2013, as well as presiding over a sweeping crackdown on dissent and free speech.

China passed a new law in September mandating up to 15 days in police detention for those who mock the “March of the Volunteers” national anthem, a law that also covers the Chinese territories of Hong Kong and Macau.

Parliament is now looking at whether to amend China’s Criminal Law to include criminal penalties for disrespect of the national anthem, including intentionally distorting the lyrics or tune, Xinhua said.

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WNU Editor: Not everyone loves Communist rule in China .... and that resentment has always targeted Chinese Communist symbols like the flag and monuments. Is it a big problem .... no (unless you are in the rebellious West of the country or in Tibet) .... but it is a reflection on how insecure Beijing feels when it comes to dissent .... a sentiment that they have had for a very long time.