E/CN.4/1996/72/Add.3 page 44 regarded as graves. When the desecration of a grave also involves the exhumation of the corpse, the penalty is increased to two years' imprisonment (art. 225-17). When these offences have been committed as a result of the deceased persons' genuine or alleged membership (or non-membership) of a particular ethnic group, nation, race or religion, the penalties are increased to three years' imprisonment and a 300,000 franc fine. The exhumation of a corpse in such conditions is punishable by five years' imprisonment and a 500,000 franc fine. C. Criminal responsibility of corporate bodies for racist offences The Penal Code provides that corporate bodies (such as companies, associations, etc.) other than the State may be declared criminally responsible in the cases provided for by law or by statute for offences committed on their behalf by their organs or representatives (art. 121-2 of the new Penal Code), notwithstanding the criminal responsibility of natural persons who commit, or are accessories to, such offences (art. 121-2, last subparagraph). The conviction of corporate bodies is expressly provided for in the case of crimes against humanity (art. 213-3), discrimination (art. 225-4), violations of the rights of individuals by means of data files or data processing (art. 226-24), the maintenance or re-establishment of dissolved combat groups and movements (art. 431-21) and the display of insignia (art. R.645-1). The list of penalties (dissolution, temporary prohibition, confiscation, court surveillance ...) contained in article 131-39 of the new Penal Code allows for the effective punishment of the corporate bodies concerned. In all cases where the responsibility of a corporate body is engaged, the maximum fine applicable to such a body is equal to five times that provided for natural persons by the statute punishing the offence (art. 131-41 of the new Penal Code). III. VICTIMS PROTECTED AND REMEDIES AVAILABLE TO THEM French law protects victims of racist-type conduct, whether they are private individuals, a group of persons or a corporate body. They are afforded the traditional remedies and also have the possibility of acting through associations which combat racism. The victim of an offence under the 1881 Act (oral or written racist remarks directed against them) has, in addition, a right of reply.