International reach for new law on crime

China will target international organized crime affecting the country and impose severe punishment on organized crime activities involving minors, according to revisions to a draft law.

The draft anti-organized crime law was submitted to a session of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, for a second review on Monday.

According to the second draft of the 77-article law, it will apply to underworld organizations outside China that develop members or commit crimes within China, as well as those committing crimes against the country or Chinese citizens outside China.

It also says that those who develop juveniles to participate in both domestic and overseas underworld organizations, abet or entice minors to commit organized crimes, or commit organized crimes that infringe upon the legitimate rights and interests of minors will face severe penalties.

Other revisions say organized crime prevention work conducted by governments at all levels and relevant departments will be included in the evaluation system, and that anti-organized crime work shall be carried out according to law, respect and protect human rights, and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of citizens and organizations.

The draft law says education authorities and institutes should promote anti-organized crime mechanisms to prevent minors becoming involved in such crimes, strengthen publicity about combating organized crime and impose severe punishments in organized crime cases involving minors.

The authorities and schools should also enhance the consciousness and the ability of minors to prevent and resist such crime, it says.

Once schools discover that members of underworld organizations are infringing upon the safety of students' lives and property, or hindering the order of campuses and surrounding areas, they must promptly take measures to stop and prevent it and report the matter to the public security organs and education authorities.

Schools should also make a report if they find organized criminal organizations hiring members among students or students participating in organized criminal activities, the draft law says.

Acts such as preventing minors from quitting criminal organizations, or supporting or facilitating organized criminal organizations through means including the provision of funds and premises will also be punished, it says.

The courts could prohibit those who have taken part in organized crimes from engaging in certain occupations and notify the relevant industrial authorities.

The draft law was submitted to the NPC Standing Committee for its first deliberation in December.