The Senate adopted on Monday a legislative proposal to amend Law 75/1994, according to which the addition of illegal inscriptions and symbols to the Romanian flag, other than those approved by law or military regulations, is punishable by a fine of 10,000 to 20,000 lei, Agerpres reports.

Romanian flag flown at a protestPhoto: Mihai Ivascu / Hotnews.ro

In June 2023, Law 75/1994 was supplemented by Article 1, Part 3, with the provision that “no other inscriptions and symbols may be added to the Romanian flag, except those approved by law or military statutes”, and a new legislative initiative initiated by Senator PNL Nicolae Chuke and PNL MP Gabriel Andronake, foresees sanctions for this act.

“Citizens are obliged to show respect for the flag and the national anthem of Romania, not to commit any actions that would offend them. Violation of the prohibition of Art. 1, par. 3, it is a violation and is punishable by the investigators of the Romanian police and gendarmerie with a fine of 10,000 to 20,000 lei in accordance with the provisions of OG 2/2001,” reads the draft regulation approved by the Senate on Monday.

According to the statement of reasons, “the desecration of the Romanian flag as a national symbol by attaching insignia to the national colors is a serious violation of public order and should be punished with a proportionately large fine to discourage such anti-social acts.” .

Legislative proposal to amend Art. 20 of Law 75/1994 regarding the hoisting of the Romanian flag, the performance of the national anthem and the use of seals with the coat of arms of Romania by public bodies and institutions will be discussed by the Chamber of Deputies, the decision-making body. in this case.

Senator Diana Ivanovych Shoshoake spoke against the raising of other flags alongside the Romanian ones, and UDMR Senator Tanchos Barna emphasized that “the flag of Sekel region, the symbol of Sekel region in Romania, will continue to be flown by this community in accordance with the law.” After this intervention, Sosoake protested in the plenary hall, declaring that Sekelska land does not exist and the plenary must be adjourned for 5 minutes.