Greece unveils plans to toughen anti-racism laws
Draft legislation by Justice Party provides for prison terms, large fines for those who deny Holocaust
ATHENS, Greece — The Greek government on Friday unveiled plans to toughen laws against racism and prohibit “malevolent” denial of the Holocaust, amid an increase in racist violence.
The draft legislation presented by the Justice Ministry provides for maximum three-year prison terms, and fines up to 20,000 euros ($27,000), for people found guilty of inciting racist crimes.
Similar penalties would apply to those convicted of denying the significance of genocides, crimes against humanity and war crimes — in a way that could incite violence, hatred, or either threaten or insult ethnic, racial or religious groups.
The draft legislation will be forwarded to Parliament for debate.
Greece has seen a rise in violence targeting Asian and African immigrants since its financial crisis erupted in 2009.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.