BEIJING, Feb.27 -- The senders of sexually explicit text messages may face fines or even imprisonment, according to the Law on Public Security Administration Punishment, which will come into force March 1.

    The new national law specifies a fine of up to 500 yuan (US$62.5) and up to nine days' detention for those who repeatedly send text messages containing pornographic, threatening or fraudulent information. Such an offense is not covered by the current regulations on public security administration punishment, which took effect in September 1986.

    Shenzhen police are launching a campaign to make residents aware of the new law. The police will put up promotional posters and banners in public areas, distribute brochures and impart lectures, a police spokesman said yesterday.

    Besides the punishment for improper text messages, the law also prescribes the punishment for a number of other offenses, according to the police.

    Pet owners who have purposely intimidated or even harmed others using their animals can be detained for up to nine days and fined up to 500 yuan.

    The same punishment applies to a person who violates the privacy of others by peeping at, secretly taking pictures of, or eavesdropping on those engaged in private, but legal, activities.

    People who sing or play loud music, thereby disturbing others, may be fined up to 500 yuan.

    The law also provides China's first punishment for football hooligans. Offenders will receive a fine of up to 500 yuan and up to 10 days' imprisonment, and will also denied access to stadiums during football matches for 12 months.

    The law can better protect Chinese citizens' rights, said Peng Xiaokun, a lawyer in Shenzhen.

    "It has provided reasonable punishment for many violations, which are first covered in a law and are closely related to people's life. As a result, people should be more careful about their activities in order not to violate the law," said Peng.

    (Source: Shenzhen Daily/Agencies)