Guangdong may stop using 'laojiao' system

Yan Zhichan, director of the Guangdong Department of Justice, told the Nanfang Daily that the province may stop using the laojiao system this year, if the National People's Congress abolishes the system.

Laojiao refers to the re-education through labor system.

She said that, according to information made public so far, a reform plan will be delivered to the top legislature for approval.

She added that once the system is abolished, the department will not accept laojiao convicts, and current inmates will be released after they have served their term.

The Chinese government has pledged to reform the laojiao system. A total abolition of the system requires approval from the top legislature.