{
  "id": 3235490,
  "title": "Zelenskyy proposes Rada tighten punishment for intentional destruction of national shrines",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/25/zelenskyy-proposes-rada-tighten-punishment-for-intentional",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-25T10:11:33.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Interfax-Ukraine",
    "slug": "interfax-ukraine",
    "url": "https://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/1195860.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for the Verkhovna Rada to strengthen criminal penalties for the intentional destruction, demolition, or damage of national shrines. A draft bill, No. 15551, outlining amendments to the Criminal Code addressing increased liability for crimes against national shrines of the Ukrainian people, was registered in the Rada on August 24, as reported by the parliament's website. The proposed legislation seeks to amend Article 298 of the Criminal Code, which pertains to unlawful activities involving archaeological heritage sites, such as destruction, demolition, or damage to cultural heritage sites. Specifically, the draft law suggests expanding the article's title to include national shrines. The president aims to impose stricter criminal liability for intentionally committing these acts, with sentences ranging from three to ten years of imprisonment. Additionally, the bill proposes a denial of the right to hold certain positions or engage in specific activities for up to three years, or without it, for those convicted.",
  "summary": "President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky proposes that the Verkhovna Rada tighten criminal liability for intentional illegal destruction, demolition, or damage of national shrines.",
  "key_points": [
    "Zelenskyy seeks stronger penalties for damaging national shrines.",
    "Draft bill No. 15551 proposes amendments to Criminal Code.",
    "Sentences could range from 3 to 10 years imprisonment."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}