The Supreme People’s Procuratorate (SPP) has announced that a
sweeping nationwide investigation into human rights violations
committed by government officials will be conducted by
procuratorates at all levels. The investigation, launched this
month, is to continue until June 2005.
The investigation will focus on five types of offenses:
dereliction of duty leading to substantial personal injury or
property damage or loss; illegal investigation and detention; use
of violence to collect evidence; and inquisition by torture or
other abuse of prisoners.
Wang Zhenchuan, deputy procurator-general of the SPP, said a few
officials in government departments have infringed on people’s
human rights when exerting their powers, evoking intensive social
repercussions. Procuratorates at all levels, as the supervisory
bodies of law enforcement, should bear the responsibility of
safeguarding people’s human rights.
He pledged that criminal cases, wherever they happen and whoever
is involved, will be thoroughly investigated under the law.
The SPP urged its subordinate entities to focus closely on cases
involving victims who are common citizens.
(Xinhua News Agency May 13, 2004)