China's pilot cross-regional procuratorates effective: SPP

The only two cross-regional procuratorates in China have been deemed effective in a trial program to reduce judicial interference.

The two pilot procuratorates, in Beijing and Shanghai, have resolved more than 325 cases since their establishment in late 2014, prosecuting 243 suspects and recovering economic losses of millions of yuan, the Supreme People's Procuratorate said Friday.

The jurisdiction of courts and procuratorates is usually the same as their administrative divisions. Cross-regional courts do not have jurisdiction limits, making them more independent and cleaner, as procuratorates are likely to be influenced by officials or businesspeople.

For example, a local governments could attempt to influence the procuratorate to take sides with a company that may pollutes but contributes to much of the tax revenue.

The two pilot procuratorates are responsible for "vulnerable to interference" cases, which are mainly related to dereliction of duty, environment and intellectual property rights (IPR), according to the SPP

The two procuratorates have recruited 46 procurators and 66 assistant procurators who are experienced in IPR protection, environment, maritime rights, aviation and food safety.

They also ceased involvement with redundant internal organs and improved work procedures to make case handling more efficient, the SPP said. Endit