Modified procuratorate rules update major bribery offense

Taking bribes of half a million yuan (80,200 U.S. dollars) or more will constitute a major bribery offense, according to an updated set of criminal procedural rules for procuratorates.

The rules, released by the Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP) on Thursday, were modified to fit the demands of the amended Criminal Procedure Law, which will come into effect on Jan. 1, 2013.

In the case of a major bribery offense, lawyers have to ask for permission to meet their clients in custody during investigation, according to the amended Criminal Procedure Law.

The regulations define major bribery as those involving half a million yuan, featuring vile criminal circumstances, or having major social impact, or undermining significant national interests.

Chen Weidong, professor at the Law School of China's Renmin University, said the new specifications on major bribery crimes were made in line with China's fast economic development.

The rules are seen as a key judicial explanatory document to guide prosecuting organs' work in criminal cases. Added to the regulations are as many as 240 new articles with detailed stipulations on defense attorneys, evidence, case reception, special procedures and case management, the SPP said.

China amended its Criminal Procedural Law in March, protecting suspects and defendants from "illegal restriction, detention and arrest," with the phrase "respecting and protecting human rights" being included in its first chapter on basic principles.

The newly-modified rules gave detailed stipulations on access to and review of interrogation recordings and videos, and conditions and management for simplified procedures and examination concerning the necessity of detention, among other aspects.

The rules are expected to provide all-around standards for prosecutors' roles in criminal lawsuits while ensuring that suspects and defendants enjoy their full rights during the procuratorial stage, the SPP said.

China's current Criminal Procedure Law was enacted in 1979 and first amended in 1996.