China considers defining more conduct as "terrorism"

Chinese legislators are deliberating a draft amendment to the Criminal Law for the second time which adds more items to the list of activities defined as terrorism.

The draft amendment to the Criminal Law was submitted Wednesday to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) for more deliberation during the legislature's bi-monthly session, which runs from Wednesday to July 1.

According to the draft, those financing training programs for terrorists will face more than five years in prison, in addition to monetary punishment and confiscation of property.

Under the current law, these punishments are applied only to those funding terrorist organizations and individuals carrying out acts of terror.

Those recruiting and transporting personnel for terrorist organizations,terrorist activities and training programs will also now face more than five years in prison in serious cases, according to the draft amendment.

Those who prepare devices or material for terrorists and who organize training for terrorists or take part in these training programs will face more than five years in prison in serious cases.

The same punishment is meted out to those who contact overseas terrorist organization or personnel and those who make plans for acts of terror.

The draft amendment also clarifies punishment for those who cross borders illegally.

The punishment is up to one year in prison for most such cases, but for those who take part in terrorist groups, receive terrorist training or carry out acts of terrorism, up to three years imprisonment will be meted out in addition to monetary punishment.

The draft amendment was first read to a bi-monthly session in October.

Under the current Criminal Law, those organizing and leading terrorist groups will face life imprisonment. Endi