China: Criminal Procedure Law (Taken Question)

Question: What is the United States’ reaction to the Chinese Government expanding police powers to detain dissidents?

Answer: We are aware of recently proposed draft amendments to China’s Criminal Procedure Law that, if adopted, may authorize practices, including forced disappearances, restricting the fundamental rights and freedoms of Chinese citizens.

We are concerned that the proposed revisions may be at odds with other provisions in Chinese law that provide for legal protections such as family notification of detainees’ whereabouts and access to counsel.

The United States continues to urge the Chinese Government to consider legal revisions to its Criminal Procedure Law and other laws to better protect citizens’ fundamental rights and freedoms.