China's efforts to curb air pollution in 2013
China.org.cn, December 20, 2013 Adjust font size:
Harsher punishments
China's Supreme People's Court and Supreme People's Procuratorate jointly issued a new judicial explanation on June 18 that imposes harsher punishments on polluters. In the most serious cases the death penalty can be given.
The police will not only crack down on environmental crimes, but also ensure the rights of relevant law enforcement officers, according to a statement jointly issued by the Supreme Court and Procuratorate, the Ministry of Public Security and Ministry of Environmental Protection.
With more precise criteria for convictions and sentencing, the judicial explanation provides "a powerful legal weapon" for law enforcement, which is expected to facilitate the work of judges and tighten punishments for polluters.
