NPC panel concludes last session, with law amended, deputies confirmed

BEIJING—The Standing Committee of the 10th National People’s Congress (NPC), China’s national legislature, concluded its 32nd session here on Thursday, with a law amended, newly-elected deputies confirmed and new appointments.
Wu Bangguo, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, presided over the meeting. The top legislature passed an amended water pollution law, getting tough on corporate executives responsible for causing severe pollution by imposing hefty fines on them. The Standing Committee of the 10th NPC also confirmed all the 2,987 newly-elected deputies to the upcoming First Session of the 11th NPC.
The top legislature also decided to publish the names of all the new deputies. Zhu Zhigang was appointed to replace Liu Jibin as director of the Budgetary Work Commission of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, and Li Shishi was appointed to replace Hu Kangsheng as director of the Legal Affairs Commission of National People’s Congress Standing Committee. The Standing Committee also approved the draft agenda of the upcoming First Session of the 11th NPC, candidate lists for the presidium and a work report by the 10th NPC Standing Committee.
Attending the meeting were Wang Zhaoguo, Li Tieying, Ismail Amat, He Luli, Ding Shisun, Cheng Siwei, Xu Jialu, Jiang Zhenghua, Gu Xiulian, Raidi, Lu Yongxiang, Wuyunqimuge and Han Qide, all vice chairpersons of the NPC Standing Committee. China’s State Councilor Cao Gangchuan, the Supreme People’s Court president Xiao Yang, and procurator-general of the Supreme People’s Procuratorate Jia Chunwang were also present.
The Standing Committee of National People’s Congress, China’s top legislature, on Thursday approved the nominations of 26 “exchange” judges and prosecutors, who are expected to help clean up China’s justice system. The officials include Presidents of High People’s Courts and Procurators-General of People’s Procuratorates at provincial, municipal and autonomous regional level nominated by local legislatures.
The Supreme People’s Court has promulgated a nationwide campaign since last year to have incoming judicial officials work outside their home areas. The campaign has been supported by China’s top leaders and special subsidies have been appropriated for officials working away from home.
The exchange officials approved on Thursday were the largest group, accounted for half of all judiciary officials at provincial levels in China. Justice officials have frequently faced interference during investigations, the acquisition of evidence and other procedures. Some defendants use local connections and bribery to pressure officials and even prosecutors or judges directly dealing with their cases.
The practice is expected to set the justice officials free from complicated social and official networks. Zhou Yongkang, member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Political Bureau, told the incoming justice officials that they should engage in righting social injustice. Zhou, also secretary of the CPC Central Committee of Political and Law Affairs, said the exchange officials should focus on providing public security and maintaining judicial independence and fairness.
Head of the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee Li Yuanchao told the exchange officials they should adapt to their new work places and face new challenges.—Xinhua