Special amnesty a balanced act

Should special amnesty be granted to some convicts to mark the 70th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1937-45)?

The Constitution says special amnesty can be granted on the approval of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, which means if approved and then signed by the president, there is legal provision for such a humane gesture.

Given that only war criminals have been granted special amnesty since the founding of New China in 1949, the NPC Standing Committee will set a precedent if it approves granting special amnesty to the several thousands of criminals who would be eligible for such a pardon.

Those eligible for the amnesty include, for example, elderly convicts who fought against the Imperial Japanese Army, who could have the remainder of their sentence pardoned because they once fought for the country, and convicts 75 years old or above who are suffering from serious diseases and can hardly take care of themselves, according to the draft decision discussed by the committee on Monday.

Setting free such people who pose no threat to social stability or public security would be a humane gesture.

The draft decision, however, excludes corrupt elements, convicts who have committed violent crimes, or those who were involved in terrorism or crimes against national security, principal culprits in organized crimes or perpetual offenders from being eligible for the special pardon. The reason is simple: if released, such criminals could once again pose a threat to society.

Besides, the release of corrupt officials would send the wrong message to the officials who have not yet been caught despite being corrupt.

The special pardon, therefore, will be a balanced social act.