China’s 2013 Criminal Procedure Law: In line with international standards?

China’s amended Criminal Procedure Law came into force on 1 January 2013. The amended law introduces a number of positive elements but it is Amnesty International’s assessment that there are set-backs with respect to certain rights and protections for criminal suspects and defendants. The new law significantly expands the powers of the police and public security organs without introducing corresponding and necessary mechanisms for oversight, monitoring, and restraint in the use of such powers. The lack of progress in broader institutional reforms further restricts the ability of the judiciary to protect rights.

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