Draft prison law emphasizes fair treatment for inmates

The legitimate rights and interests of foreign prisoners are expected to be strongly protected in China, as a draft amendment law being considered by Chinese legislators emphasizes the importance of providing fair and just treatment during the execution of their sentences.

The draft revision to the Prison Law was submitted on Monday to an ongoing session of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, for a second review.

Under the draft amendment, visits for foreign inmates should be handled in line with relevant regulations, while prisoner transfers need to be carried out in accordance with laws such as the Law on International Judicial Assistance in Criminal Matters.

It also stresses the need to regulate the behavior of prison officers, adding provisions to prohibit the misuse of equipment and weapons, as well as the unauthorized disclosure of work-related information.

Additionally, it encourages social forces to join efforts to educate and rehabilitate inmates, ensuring prisoners can better reintegrate into society after their release.

The draft also specifies the sealing of criminal records for juvenile offenders.

The current Prison Law was enacted in 1994. Before the latest review, the draft revision had been read by the NPC Standing Committee for its first reading in April.