New rules to hold prosecutors accountable for life

  710

BEIJING, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- The top procuratorate on Monday issued a mandate ordering that prosecutors be held accountable for life for any illegal conduct.

The Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP) instruction said that prohibited acts included misprision, perjury, extorting confessions or evidence by torture or other illegal means, illegal search and seizure, and violation of personal freedom.

Also, in cases where the suspects indicted were acquitted, or where the suspects died or were injured, an accountability investigation will also be launched.

Prosecutors found to have committed intentional violations or gross negligence will be subjected to punishments ranging from work suspension to dismissal.

It was noted, however, that should there be sufficient evidence proving that prosecutors practiced their due duties with necessary attention, they will not be punished for their misjudgement.

In addition, it was ruled that a unified working system that tracks prosecutors throughout their professional careers, to ensure timely supervision, be established.

The new rules would ensure "justice be done to the public in every judicial case," according to the SPP document.

Source: Xinhua, at: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2015-09/28/c_134668371.htm