The Supreme People’s Procuratorate (SPP) has announced that a sweeping nationwide investigation into human rights violations committed by government officials will be conducted by procuratorates at all levels. The investigation, launched this month, is to continue until June 2005.

The investigation will focus on five types of offenses: dereliction of duty leading to substantial personal injury or property damage or loss; illegal investigation and detention; use of violence to collect evidence; and inquisition by torture or other abuse of prisoners.

Wang Zhenchuan, deputy procurator-general of the SPP, said a few officials in government departments have infringed on people’s human rights when exerting their powers, evoking intensive social repercussions. Procuratorates at all levels, as the supervisory bodies of law enforcement, should bear the responsibility of safeguarding people’s human rights.

He pledged that criminal cases, wherever they happen and whoever is involved, will be thoroughly investigated under the law.

The SPP urged its subordinate entities to focus closely on cases involving victims who are common citizens.

(Xinhua News Agency May 13, 2004)