China's Supreme People's Procuratorate File photo: SPP's WeChat account

Juvenile offenders with severe malice or a high risk of reoffending, as well as those involved in exceptionally violent crimes with particularly grave consequences, should have prosecution authorized and charges filed in accordance with the law, an official said during a press briefing held by China's Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP) on Thursday.

Hou Yahui, a member of the Procuratorial Committee of the SPP, highlighted that while minors involved in offenses should generally be treated leniently in accordance with the law, there are exceptional cases of juvenile offenders, including those involved in violent crimes with particularly serious consequences, as reported by China Central Television (CCTV).

The principle of combining leniency with severity is a basic criminal policy of China, Hou said, adding that the approach is crucial for demonstrating punishment, prevention, education, and guidance, while maximizing the resolution of social conflicts and promoting social harmony and stability. 

Noting that procuratorial organs should accurately and fully balance leniency and severity, Hou said that minor offenses are not automatically treated leniently, and those with aggravating circumstances or severe subjective malice should be dealt with strictly according to the law, according to CCTV.

While severe crimes are generally handled with strict measures, cases involving mitigating factors such as voluntary surrender or meritorious service should be treated with leniency as stipulated by law, Hou said.

According to CCTV, Hou also said during the press briefing that for crimes severely endangering national security, involving violent terrorism, multiple killings in a single incident, organized crimes, or offenses related to firearms and explosives, as well as cybercrimes that disrupt social order and crimes against vulnerable groups such as women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities, should be met with strict enforcement. 

In the first three quarters of 2024, procuratorial authorities prosecuted 44,000 individuals for serious violent crimes, including intentional homicide, robbery, and kidnapping, along with 7,682 individuals for organized crime, CCTV reported.

Global Times