China:Tough punishments for violating National Anthem

China Oct 31: Currently people are debating whether to stand up for the national anthem in cinema hall to show respect towards national anthem neighbouring communist country. China will soon bring a law to punish the people with up to three-year jail term who disrespect the national anthem.

Currently, people are detained for 15 days if they are found disrespecting the national anthem "March of the Volunteers". The government has submitted a draft amendment for the deliberation at the bi-monthly session of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, which started yesterday.

The draft says that "The anthem will only be allowed at formal political gatherings, including the opening and closing of NPC sessions, constitutional oath ceremonies, flag raising ceremonies, major celebrations, award ceremonies, commemorations, national Memorial Day events, important diplomatic occasions, major sport events and other suitable occasions".



"It will be illegal to use the national anthem during funerals, inappropriate private occasions, commercials or as background music in public places", the draft said.

People those who maliciously modify the lyrics or play/sing the national anthem in a distorted or disrespectful way, may also be punished if the new ammendments are passed .

"The song must be included in textbooks for primary and secondary school students and people are encouraged to sing the national anthem on appropriate occasions to express patriotism." the draft said.

China's national anthem is "March of the Volunteers," with lyrics by poet Tian Han and music composed by Nie Er.