The Supreme People's  (SPP) announced that a sweeping investigation of human rights infringement crimes committed by officials in government departments will be made by procuratorates at all levels from May to next June.

The investigation will focus on five types of crimes, including dereliction of duty which causes great loss of people's lives and assets, illegal investigation and detention, evidence collection through violent means, inquisition by torture and 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 important responsibility of safeguarding people's human rights.

He pledged that criminal cases, wherever they happen and whoever is involved, must be thoroughly investigated under the law.

The SPP also urged its subordinate bodies to especially focus on the officials' crimes related to ordinary people.

(Xinhua News Agency May 13, 2004)