China to try corruption and terrorism suspects in absentia
(Baonghean.vn) - On October 26, China changed the law, allowing judgments in corruption and terrorism cases even when suspects do not appear in court, as Beijing is increasing pressure on dozens of suspects who have fled abroad.
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| Chinese President Xi Jinping. Photo: AP |
Since coming to power more than five years ago, Chinese President Xi Jinping has waged a war against corruption at all levels of the ruling Chinese Communist Party, vowing to continue the fight until corruption is no longer rampant.
The crackdown on corruption has been extended beyond China's borders to tackle corruption suspects who have fled abroad, although efforts have been hampered by skepticism from Western countries concerned about China's unfair judicial system.
Speaking at a press conference, Mr. Wang Aili, Director of the Criminal Law Office of the Legislative Affairs Committee of the National People's Congress, said that the current amendment to the Criminal Procedure Code issued by the National People's Congress will strengthen the fight against corruption and terrorism by allowing judgments to be made in cases where suspects are tried in absentia.
The official stressed that those tried in absentia include corruption suspects, those wanted for harming national security or being involved in terrorism. A copy of the subpoena must be sent to the defendant to ensure their “right to know”.
In April 2015, Chinese authorities released a list of 100 “most wanted” corruption suspects believed to be hiding abroad, mainly in the United States, Canada and Australia. More than half of them have returned to China, some voluntarily.
