NPC Bi-Monthly Session: Lawmakers review draft revisions to China's laws on judges, procurators Impartiality underscored in the draft

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The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature is holding its bi-monthly session. Lawmakers are reviewing draft revisions to both the Judges Law and the Procurators Law. CGTN's Hou Na reports.

The two drafts are going through their third reading at the ongoing session.

Recommendations from the second readings emphasized a sharper turn towards objectivity and impartiality as legal experts pointed to the importance of procurators being allowed to collect evidence without any inhibitions.

According to the drafts, judges should adjudicate based on facts and the law, guided by objectivity and impartiality and procurators should do the same.

Procurators must protect human rights and ensure that crimes are tried only by the rule of law.

They must prosecute criminals while protecting the innocent from criminal prosecution.

Meanwhile, lawmaker Luo Jie said more needs to be done to help the judiciary and those who have completed their service.

LUO JIE, MEMBER NPC STANDING COMMITTEE "The draft stressed the selection and regulation rules for judges and procurators, but the terms on protecting the rights of judges are too general. Especially on protecting the safety and rights of retired judges."

The new drafts also stipulate tighter supervision over judges and procurators and give them more responsibilities when it comes to business secrets and personal privacy information.

There will be legal consequences if they fail to comply.

ZHU JINGZHI, MEMBER NPC STANDING COMMITTEE "I suggest the draft includes more items on regulating the activities of retired judges."

The drafts will go to a vote on Tuesday.

HOU NA, CGTN, BEIJING.