Chinese Ministry of State Security

China's Ministry of State Security has released two departmental regulations, namely the "Administrative Law Enforcement Procedures of the National Security Agencies" and the "Criminal Case Handling Procedures of the National Security Agencies."

The ministry said in Friday's announcement that the promulgation of the two departmental regulations is a strong measure taken by the national securities authorities to implement the CPC Central Committee's overall strategy of governing the country according to law. It is an important basis for regulating the law enforcement and judicial activities of the national security agencies, and is of great significance for lawfully combating illegal activities that risk national security, safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of individuals and organizations, and enhancing the level of legal governance in national security work. 

The two regulations were promulgated in the departmental orders signed by the Minister of State Security Chen Yixin on Friday, and will be implemented from July 1, 2024. 

According to the ministry, the "Administrative Law Enforcement Procedures of the National Security Agencies" consists of seven chapters and 140 articles, including general principles, prevention guidance, investigation and evidence collection, expropriation and compensation, administrative penalties, periods and service, and supplementary provisions. 

The "Criminal Case Handling Procedures of the National Security Agencies" consists of 11 chapters and 360 articles, including general principles, jurisdiction, avoidance, participation of lawyers in criminal proceedings, evidence, coercive measures, filing and withdrawal of cases, investigation, execution of penalties, special procedures, and supplementary provisions. 

The ministry stated that moving forward, national security agencies at all levels will conscientiously implement the two departmental regulations, always adhere to strict, standardized, fair, and civilized law enforcement, voluntarily accept social supervision, and ensure that every case can withstand scrutiny from the law, the Chinese people and history.

China's Ministry of State Security earlier released 10 typical espionage cases in a special documentary film aired ahead of the ninth National Security Education Day that falls on April 15, including the cases of Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig. In the documentary, various methods of infiltration, theft and incitement by foreign spy and intelligence agencies are exposed, and awareness of anti-espionage is expected to be established among the people.

Global Times