Baku: Penalties for the deliberate destruction or damage of historical and cultural monuments in Azerbaijan are set to become more stringent, APA reports. This development is encapsulated in a proposed amendment to the Criminal Code, which was deliberated in today's session of the Milli Majlis.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the current legal framework imposes penalties for the destruction or damage of state-protected historical and cultural monuments, ranging from fines between 2,000 to 4,000 manats or imprisonment for up to two years. The draft amendment, however, proposes more severe consequences. It suggests that the deliberate damage to movable or immovable cultural property causing significant harm will be met with a fine up to twice the damage's value, or a restriction of liberty for up to two years, or imprisonment for the same period.

Further, the deliberate destruction of movable cultural property will attract fines between twice to three times the damage's value, or restriction of liberty for up to three years, or imprisonment for the same duration. For immovable cultural property, fines will range from three to five times the damage's value, with possible liberty restrictions or imprisonment lasting three to five years.

The draft law specifies harsher penalties for offenses committed repeatedly, by officials abusing their positions, by groups acting in conspiracy or organized crime, or driven by national, racial, or religious animosity. Such acts could result in imprisonment for four to eight years, possibly accompanied by a ban on holding certain positions or engaging in specific activities for up to three years.

Cultural property under state protection includes assets listed under the Law 'On Culture' or those identified as cultural property before formal listing. A "significant amount" is defined as exceeding three thousand manats.

Following a vote, the draft law passed its third reading. If enacted, the law will become effective on February 1, 2026.