PENAL CODE of the Democratic Republic of Timor Leste Article 258. Property damage 1. Any person who wholly or partially destroys, causes damage to, defaces or renders unusable the property of another is punishable with up to 3 years imprisonment or a fine. 2. The attempt is punishable. 3. Prosecution depends on the filing of a complaint. Article 259. Aggravated property damage Any person who wholly or partially destroys, damages, defaces or renders unusable the property of another: a) Destined for public use or utility; b) Possessing high scientific, artistic or historical value or is of great importance to technological or scientific development; c) Is a means of communication or transportation of great social importance; d) Causes losses over US$ 1,000.00; e) Pertains to another and is used for religious worship or venerating the memory of the deceased and is at a place of worship or in a cemetery, is punishable with 2 to 8 years imprisonment. Article 260. Property damage with use of violence If the acts described in articles 258 and 259 are committed with violence against a person or with threat of imminent danger to the life or physical integrity of said person, placing the same in a situation where he or she cannot resist, said conduct is punishable with 4 to 12 years imprisonment. Article 261. Usurpation of property 1. Any person who, by means of violence or serious threat against another person, invades or occupies property of another person with the intent to exercise right of ownership, possession, use or easement not granted by law, sentence, agreement or administrative act, is punishable with 1 to 4 years imprisonment. 2. If the means employed constitute a crime punishable by a penalty heavier than that prescribed in the previous subarticle, the heavier penalty shall apply. Article 262. Alteration of property boundary markings 1. Any person who, with the intent to wholly or partially appropriate property of another, for him or herself or another party, removes or changes the position of boundary markers or any other sign destined to set the boundaries of any property is punishable with up to 1 year imprisonment or a fine. 2. Prosecution depends on the filing of a complaint. Article 263. Arson 1. Any person who, intentionally sets fire to a house, building, establishment, means of transportation, forest, plantation or any other property, imperiling the life or physical integrity of any person or any property valued at over US$ 5,000.00, is punishable with 2 to 8 years imprisonment. 2. If the acts described in the preceding subarticle relate to public property or in which public services are provided, the penalty is 2 to 10 years imprisonment. 68