China's prosecutors told to show leniency in certain cases

China's prosecutors have been ordered to show leniency to juveniles, those convicted of minor offences and people -- apart from the ring leaders -- involved in criminal cases stemming from mass protests.

The Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP) said in a recent document only ring leaders of criminal cases linked to mass protests will be punished. Other participants will be educated.

Prosecutors should treat juveniles leniently as well as those who commit minor offences for the first time, the document said.

But the document urged prosecutors at all levels to be tough on criminal cases which undermine social stability and disturb public order, as well as cases of corruption and dereliction of duty.

Prosecutors are also urged to handle arrest and prosecution procedures carefully.

SPP spokesman Tong Jianming said on Thursday prosecutors should severely punish those convicted of serious crimes, but show leniency to those convicted of minor offences.

An efficient work system will be established for dealing with juveniles and others convicted of minor offences, according to the SPP.

Source: Xinhua