Amnesty combines mercy and law

BEIJING - China's prisoner amnesty is a sound combination of humanitarian practice and implementation of the rule of law.

After a week-long discussion, the top legislature adopted the amnesty deal on Saturday, granting official pardons to thousands of convicted war veterans as well as very young and old prisoners meeting certain criteria.

The deal, promulgated by President Xi Jinping and marking the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, comes 40 years after a Chinese amnesty for war criminals in 1975.

Prisoners who fought in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the civil war in the 1930s and 1940s are at least 80 years old. The group is very small and they do not pose a threat to society at such an advanced age.

The mercy shown to veterans is an apt recognition of their contributions in the wars, and it shows China's attitude to history and commitment to peace. While China remembers the fallen, jailed allies can not be forgotten despite their post-war missteps.

Criminals aged 75 or above, and those with physical disabilities who are unable to care for themselves will be released and provided with special care ahead of the historic occasion. Reflecting China's tradition of both respecting the elderly and caring for the young, those who committed their crimes while under the age of 18 and received a prison term less than three years will also be freed.

The amnesty is also in line with the Criminal Law, which was amended in 2011 to allow leniency in the punishment of the aged.

Amnesty is a system under the Constitution in China, which has long stressed governing by virtue and laws. This is the eight amnesty granted by the People's Republic of China since its founding in 1949. Amnesties are also common international practice on the occasion of major events.

However, the selection of criminals fit for the amnesty will be very strict and prudent.

The latest pardon is designed to exclude officials convicted of embezzlement and bribe-taking, criminals widely resented by the people. It is also not applied to those guilty of murder, rape, terrorism and mafia-style acts, which are deemed the most serious crimes and their perpetrators most likely to threaten people's safety and social stability.

Essentially, the move takes full account of political security, people's safety, public opinion and the nation's fight against corruption.

And those qualifying for a pardon can't be set free until the courts review their cases and make verdicts. Procuratorates will supervise the process and the police will enforce order.

After the amnesty, the government should continue to manage the ex-convicts and help them integrate into regular life.