China says terrorist case procedures regulated in accordance with law

China has regulated procedures for handling terrorist cases in accordance with the law, with case management responsibility implemented and external oversight strengthened to ensure the standardized and orderly exercise of power in the handling of such cases, a white paper published on Tuesday said.

The white paper, titled "China's Legal Framework and Measures for Counterterrorism" and issued by the State Council Information Office, noted that Chinese law prescribes the powers and responsibilities of law enforcement and judicial agencies in handling cases.

Besides the preface and conclusion, the white paper consists of five parts: "An Improving Legal Framework for Counterterrorism," "Clear Provisions for the Determination and Punishment of Terrorist Activities," "Standardized Exercise of Power in Fighting Terrorism," "Protection of Human Rights in Counterterrorism Practices" and "Effective Protection of People's Safety and National Security."

With their responsibilities clarified, law enforcement and judicial agencies have put in place a strict accountability system, under which judicial officials who are found to have violated the law in case management will be held accountable and given due punishment, said the white paper, adding that if their acts constitute a crime, they shall be prosecuted for their criminal responsibility.

In terms of strengthening external oversight, the document noted that the powers of law enforcement and judicial agencies are subject to external oversight from people's congresses, the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and the public, as well as to statutory and internal oversight.

China regards respecting and protecting human rights as an underlying principle in improving its legal framework and practices in the field of counterterrorism, according to the white paper.

The Chinese government has succeeded in curbing the spread of terrorism, protecting citizens' rights to life, health and property, and maintaining social stability, while taking firm actions to protect the lawful rights and interests of citizens and organizations, and guard against discrimination based on geographical area, ethnic group or religion, the paper read.

Prioritizing personal safety of those who are subject to direct harm and threat of terrorist incidents, China organizes relief and provides medical treatment for victims, and evacuates and relocates potential victims, said the document.

The counterterrorism work the country has carried out has contributed to regional and global security and stability, said the paper.

China has joined 12 global counterterrorism conventions and facilitated the formulation of documents such as the Shanghai Convention on Combating Terrorism, Separatism and Extremism and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Member States Agreement on Border Defense Cooperation, playing an important role in maintaining international and regional security and stability, according to the paper.

(With input from Xinhua)