Draft seeks prison for disrespect to anthem

People who show disrespect to China's national anthem will face prison terms of up to three years if a draft amendment to the Criminal Law is adopted by the top legislature.

The draft builds on the National Anthem Law, which took effect this month, by providing details of proposed criminal punishments.

Anyone who maliciously modifies the lyrics, or plays or sings the national anthem in a distorted or disrespectful way in public, or with other serious disrespectful practices, will be held liable criminally. According to the draft, penalties can include detention, being deprived of one's political rights or a sentence of up to three years.