Those who wear or sell Swiss brand Swatch watches in colors that refer to the LGBTI+ community will now face three years in prison in Malaysia, the country’s government decided today, ahead of Saturday’s regional elections seen as crucial to the future of the country. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

The LGBTI+ community faces discrimination in this Muslim country where homosexuality is considered illegal.

Homosexuals are prosecuted, imprisoned or subjected to corporal punishment.

“Anyone who manufactures, imports (…) or possesses” these types of products is now at risk of being sentenced to three years in prison, the Ministry of the Interior announced. Those who wear or sell them will also be fined around 3,800 euros. “The government is committed to preventing the dissemination of information that harms or may harm morals,” the ministry added. Any reference to the LGBTQI+ community on boxes, wrapping paper, accessories or other items is also prohibited.

In May, Swatch watch stores in 11 shopping malls in the country, including the capital Kuala Lumpur, were searched by a police unit. An interior ministry official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP that 172 watches with a total value of 12,700 euros were seized. He justified the seizure by explaining that the watches bore the letters LGBT and the six colors symbolizing the LGBTI+ community, instead of the seven of the rainbow.

Following the seizure, which it considers illegal and damaging to its reputation, the Swiss company sued Malaysia, arguing that its colorful watches are “simply a happy and fun expression of peace and love”.

Six Malaysian states will hold elections on Saturday that are seen as a “barometer” for Anwar Ibrahim against a conservative, Muslim opposition that criticizes the government for failing to preserve Islamic values. However, the prime minister has stated that his government is not going to recognize the rights of LGBTI+