Chinese legislature adopts new prisoner amnesty deal

China's top legislature adopted a prisoner amnesty deal over the weekend which will affect four categories of prisoners, including jailed war veterans, juvenile minor criminal offenders and disabled elderly prisoners, as part of the commemorations for the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. Promulgated by President Xi Jinping on Saturday, the amnesty deal comes 56 years after China granted its first pardon to non-war criminals in 1959. It applies to prisoners who fought in China's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression (1937-45) and the civil war against the Kuomintang army from 1945 to 1949, the Xinhua News Agency reported. Other prisoners who participated in unspecified wars after 1949 to safeguard national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity are also eligible for amnesty. The deal also covers criminals who are 75 or older, and those with physical disabilities who are unable to care for themselves. Minor criminal offenders who committed crimes while under the age of 18 and received prison sentences of less than three years are also eligible for a pardon. However, the latest pardon excludes officials convicted of embezzlement and bribe-taking. It will not apply to those guilty of murder, rape, terrorism and mafia-style acts, according to Xinhua. The reprieve shows the Chinese government's confidence in its administration and legal system as well as its compassion toward criminals, according to experts. "The mercy shown to veterans is an apt recognition of their contributions in the wars, and it shows China's attitude toward history and its commitment to peace. While China remembers the fallen, jailed allies cannot be forgotten despite their post-war missteps," said an opinion article of Xinhua. China's Criminal Law, which was amended in 2011, also allows leniency in the punishment of the aged. Those qualifying for a pardon will not be set free until the court reviews their cases and makes a verdict. Procuratorates will supervise the process and the police will enforce order. Authorities would continue to help them integrate into regular life afterward, Xinhua said. Local authorities of Hebei Province said on Sunday that they will commence the inspection of inmates to check their eligibility to be pardoned. Officials also pledged not to intervene and prevent power abuse in the process, media reported.