China widens criteria to catch pollution crimes

In an effort to bring rampant pollution under control, China on Friday re-interpreted laws in order to make it easier to convict polluters and officials responsible for environmental crises.

According to a new interpretation handed down by the Supreme People's Court (SPC), polluters and negligent officials responsible for environmental hazards that cause even a single death can be convicted for environmental crimes.

Convictions are also possible in cases where at least three people receive serious wounds, or ten get minor wounds, the interpretations said.

If convicted, the accused face prison sentences of up to three years.

If three people are killed in an environmental accident, those responsible can be imprisoned for three to seven years, according to the new interpretations.

The severe prison terms also apply to people convicted of causing environmental accidents that injure more than 30 people or seriously injure at least ten people, the interpretations said.

Currently, China's environmental laws target people who cause major pollution to the air, water, or soil, people who dump environmentally dangerous foreign waste in China, and officials whose slack administration leads to major environmental crises.

Prison terms are usually less than three years.

Source: Xinhuaagreement signed," said Oryem.

Rugunda said the government and the rebels had made substantial progress towards a peaceful solution to the war.

"In principle we have agreed on the issue of reconciliation and accountability, comprehensive solutions to the conflict and the issue of cessation of hostilities was stood over because of divergent views," said Rugunda.

The LRA demanded for an immediate cessation of hostilities while the government delegation wanted it at the end of the talks.

The minister said the talks will resume next for the final phase after both parties had finished consultations with their leaders.

"We shall discuss a ceasefire agreement and the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of the LRA," said Rugunda.

The talks, which are mediated by the government of southern Sudan, are seen as another chance to end the untold suffering in northern Uganda.

Source: Xinhua