A reinforced cage for "tigers"

BEIJING - In its drive to bring high-level "tigers" to justice, China has reinforced its cage to prevent criminals from escaping punishment through money and power.

The Supreme People's Court (SPC) on Tuesday released new rules to tighten the granting of sentence remissions for prisoners, a move that appears to target powerful and connected criminals who may dodge punishment through illegal means.

The new rules stipulate that a court hearing is necessary when applicants for a commuted sentence or parole have been convicted of abusing power, organizing mafia-style groups or financial fraud.

Hearings are also required when procuratorates disagree with the courts or when the public protests, or if the remission application is based on a criminal's meritorious deeds in prison.

The move came during the nation's sweeping anti-corruption campaign launched last year by the central authorities to catch and punish both "tigers" and "flies" -- officials at both the high and low levels.

Previously, criminals could receive a commuted sentence or parole without a hearing after administrative approval by the court if they were identified to be "truly repentant" or have "made contributions" to the country, such as helping with a police investigation or winning a patent.

Some prisoners, usually the powerful and wealthy, have taken advantage of the loophole to shorten the terms of their penalties.

They have bribed prison and court staff and forged documents to gain remission of sentences, treading on the Constitution and escaping the sanction of the law.

In one high-profile case, Zhang Hai, former board chairman of beverage giant Jianlibao Group Co. Ltd., managed to have his sentence cut by five years in a second court trial and later had his jail term reduced further by more than four years through bribery.

Local prison staff helped Zhang forge various documents to prove that he had made great contributions and deserved a commutation. Zhang was then released in 2011 and fled abroad with his girlfriend.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has repeatedly urged that every citizen should feel the fairness and justice in every judicial case.

But how will the judicial system ensure fairness and safeguard people's rights if the system itself falls ill?

To eliminate internal corruption, judicial authorities must dare to conduct "surgery" on themselves. Last year, courts at all levels uncovered 381 judges and court staff who abused their power, 101 of whom were prosecuted.

Such resolve and efforts must be persistent rather than a one-time act.

The SPC's latest rules also require that decisions to grant remissions be publicized online for public oversight.

Only through true transparency can judicial authorities win the people's trust and ensure social order and fairness.