Any person who libels or insults heroes and martyrs will face criminal punishment, according to a draft law unveiled on Friday.

The draft law on protecting the reputation of heroes and martyrs has been submitted to the bimonthly session of China's top legislative body, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, for its first reading.

It also stipulates that network operators should respond quickly if they find messages harmful to heroes.

Meanwhile, the draft says occupying, defacing and damaging martyrs’ memorials are strictly prohibited.