Romanian President Klaus Iohannis has signed a legislation punishing Holocaust denial and the promotion of the fascist Legionnaires’ Movement with prison sentences of up to three years.

Iohannis signed Wednesday the amendments to existing legislation, approved by the Romanian parliament last month.

The legislation also bans fascist, racist or xenophobic organizations and symbols, and promoting people guilty of crimes against humanity by up to three years in prison.

Holocaust denial refers to refuting Romania's role in exterminating Jews and Roma between 1940 and 1944. About 280,000 Jews and 11,000 Roma, or Gypsies, were killed during the pro-fascist regime of dictator Marshal Ion Antonescu.

World Jewish Congress (WJC) President Ronald S. Lauder praised the president’s move.

“We congratulate President Iohannis for his strong stand against fascism, anti-Semitism and racism. Only by fighting Holocaust denial and fascism at the highest levels can a nation effectively counter the troubling spread of anti-Semitism across Europe,” said Lauder.

“We urge other European leaders to show the same kind of bold leadership and send a clear message: that fascists and Holocaust deniers are not only committing morally reprehensible acts, but also crimes punishable by law.”