China reconsiders reeducation through labor

Zhang Dejiang, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), presides over the 14th meeting of the Chairmen's Council of the 12th NPC Standing Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 16, 2013. (Xinhua/Zhang Duo)

Chinese lawmakers will deliberate a motion to abolish the "laojiao" program, or reeducation through labor, at a bimonthly session next week.

According to the agenda published on Monday for the Dec 23-28 session of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, a State Council motion includes abolition of reeducation through labor.

The "laojiao" system was adopted in 1957 for minor offenders whose crime is not severe enough to warrant court proceedings. It allows for detention of up to four years without an open trial.

The latest motion follows key policy decisions last month stating that "laojiao" should be abolished to protect human rights.

Also on the agenda is a resolution on birth policy, following a proposal to allow couples to have a second child if one parent is an only child.

The date and agenda for the session was announced Monday at a meeting of the chairman and vice chairpersons of the Standing Committee of the 12th NPC, which was presided over by Zhang Dejiang, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee.

Lawmakers will also review draft amendments to seven laws including the administrative reconsideration law, the military facilities protection law and the marine environment protection law.

The committee will also deliberate reports on the medium-term progress of the 2011-2015 development plan, rural poverty relief and the compulsory education law.