Amendment to Criminal Law to bring harsher punishments

Cursing a judge in court

The amendment's 309th article imposes a sentence of less than three years, detention, surveillance and a fine for the following disturbances: gathering people to make a scene in court; beating judicial staff, a litigation party or witness; abusing, slandering or threatening judicial worker or a litigation party or witness, turning a blind eye to court instructions; and damaging court facilities, litigation documents, or evidence.

Possession of books for collection

The new amendment's 309th article states that intentional possession of books, audio or video materials advocating terrorism and extremism may lead to jail time of less than three years, detention or surveillance, with a concurrent or separate fine.

Compiling fake WeChat message

Some people like to release false messages through WeChat or other social media. The amendment's 291th article says that intentionally spreading false information on developments of emergencies such as epidemics or other disasters, posting related warnings on the Internet or other social media, and disturbing social order will result in jail time of less than three years, detention or surveillance. Those causing severe consequences will face jail time from three to seven years. Therefore, think twice before spreading false information on WeChat.

Speeding or overloaded buses

School or civic bus drivers who speed or exceed their allowed passenger load should pay attention now. The amendment's 133rd article stipulates that those committing any of the following will face detention and fines: road racing with severe consequences; drunk driving; driving a school or civic bus carrying overloaded passengers or while speeding; transporting hazardous chemicals in violation of related regulations, and posing threats to public security.

Maltreating the old, the young, the ill and the disabled

The amendment's 260th article adds that those who maltreat the old, the young, the ill or the disabled over whom they have custody or caring responsibilities will face jail time of less than three years or detention, with severe circumstances.

False litigation

The amendment criminalizes false litigation and stipulates that a civil suit based on fabricated facts that hinders judicial order or severely infringes on the other party's legitimate interests will face jail time of less than three years, detention or surveillance, or separate or concurrent fines. Those causing severe consequences will face a sentence of three to seven years and be fined concurrently.