diff --git a/compiler/util/src/org/jetbrains/jet/utils/ExceptionUtils.java b/compiler/util/src/org/jetbrains/jet/utils/ExceptionUtils.java
index e344140be6f..0ea161343e0 100644
--- a/compiler/util/src/org/jetbrains/jet/utils/ExceptionUtils.java
+++ b/compiler/util/src/org/jetbrains/jet/utils/ExceptionUtils.java
@@ -24,10 +24,13 @@ public class ExceptionUtils {
     /**
      * Translate exception to unchecked exception.
      */
-    public static RuntimeException rethrow(Exception e) {
+    public static RuntimeException rethrow(Throwable e) {
         if (e instanceof RuntimeException) {
             throw (RuntimeException) e;
         }
+        else if (e instanceof Error) {
+            throw (Error) e;
+        }
         else {
             throw new RuntimeException(e);
         }