(ANSA) - BELGRADE, MAR 26 - The Romanian Parliament has unanimously approved legislation to prevent and combat femicide, introducing a specific legal definition into national law for the first time. The law defines femicide as a form of gender-based violence and penalises it similarly to aggravated homicide, with penalties ranging from 15 to 25 years to life imprisonment. Among the measures implemented are the recognition of orphans as direct victims, the aggravating circumstance for crimes committed in the presence of minors, and the ability to initiate ex officio criminal prosecution in cases of violence. (ANSA).