New rule protects prisoners' rights

BEIJING - Chinese police will face punishments ranging from demotion to dismissal if they are found to have abused inmates or aided in the mistreatment of prisoners, according to a disciplinary code scheduled to go into effect on Sunday.

The new code applies to police working in prisons, labor camps and drug rehabilitation centers. In China, those who commit misdemeanors are typically placed in labor camps instead of prisons.

The code states that police officers can be dismissed if prisoners under their care die as a result of corporal punishment or mistreatment, adding that officers who mistreat prisoners through manipulation or connivance will face the same punishment.

Officers who permit inmates to commit further crimes or escape prison will also be dismissed, the code says.

Analysts believe the new code, which is more specific and comprehensive than the country's previous code, will better protect inmates' legitimate rights and interests by enforcing clearer discipline standards for police.

Chinese courts on Sunday will also start implementing a new rule on handling certain types of commuting and parole cases in order to improve judiciary transparency.

According to a regulation created by the Supreme People's Court in February, court hearings should be held for six types of commuting and parole cases, including those that involve objections from procuratorates or the public, as well as those deemed necessary by the people's courts.

The move will reverse the long-term practice of reviewing such cases on the basis of documentation only.

"Court hearings will help relieve concerns regarding possible under-the-table deals during case reviews and will allow authorities to consider opinions from different sides," the document said.

Sunday will also mark the implementation of the revised Law on the Promotion of Clean Production. The amended law defines the "excessive packaging of products" and includes a list of detailed conditions under which compulsory "clean production" checks should be conducted within companies.

A law related to insurance for armed service members and a regulation on the prevention and control of radioactive pollution by armed forces will also go into effect on Sunday.