Prosecutors are investigating possible malfeasance by two local
officials who are alleged to have known that milk powder being sold
in Fuyang, east China’s Anhui Province, was substandard.
Li Tingjun and Bai Qixiang, both deputy directors of the local
Bureau of Industry and Commerce, are suspected of irregular conduct
to serve personal interests in not referring the case to the local
prosecutors’ office for a complete investigation.
The Criminal Code states that law enforcement administrators
such as Li and Bai may be punished if they fail to refer suspected
crimes found by investigators during the law enforcement
process.
The two were “seriously irresponsible” when they received tips
from local residents, especially when the mother of one of the
victimized babies reported the results of tests conducted on the
milk powder directly to them, said Chen Lianfu, director-general of
the Prosecutorial Department for Dereliction of Duty and
Infringement of Citizens’ Rights under the Supreme People’s
Procuratorate.
Wang Zhenchuan, deputy procurator-general of the Supreme
People’s Procuratorate--the highest authority for public
prosecutors in China--yesterday quoted the investigation of the
case as an example of intensified efforts to crack down on
job-related crimes that violate human rights.
The campaign focuses on cases of illegal detention, unlawful
search, using torture or violence to coerce a statement, infringing
upon citizens’ democratic rights through undermining elections and
when mistreatment by authorities while in custody.
The Supreme People’s Court yesterday also launched a national
educational campaign on judicial fairness among People’s Courts at
all levels.
The campaign’s goal is to establish judicial authority and the
image of fair, incorruptible judges, said Cao Jianming, vice
president of the Supreme People’s Court.
(China Daily May 27, 2004)