Top judge urges caution on prisoner amnesty

China's top judge urged caution on prisoner amnesty cases Monday, saying such cases should be handled in accordance to law and reviewed carefully.

Zhou Qiang, president of the Supreme People's Court, made the remarks at a teleconference after the top legislature, the National People's Congress Standing Committee, adopted a prisoner amnesty deal on Saturday as part of commemorations of the nation's victory in World War II.

It is estimated that thousands of war veterans as well as very old, young or infirm prisoners will be granted official pardons.

Review work should be improved to make sure every pardon can stand the test of the law, said Zhou.

He also warned of potential corruption.

"We must get rid of corruption when handling amnesty cases -- leaving out not a single person who qualifies to be pardoned, but granting it to no one that does not meet certain conditions," Zhou said.

Zhou added any legal and disciplinary violations should be punished. Endi