China’s graft watchdog calls for trials in absentia to strengthen cases against suspects who fled abroad
The mechanism, not yet enshrined in mainland law, could help convince overseas governments there is enough evidence to repatriate the accused
China’s top anti-graft watchdog has called for fugitive officials suspected of corruption to be tried in absentia.
Setting up trials in absentia – criminal proceedings in court in which the suspect is not physically present – would help China to better cooperate with other countries in hunting suspects, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection said on its website on Monday.
China is actively seeking international cooperation in hunting down fugitive officials who have fled the country since the launch of President Xi Jinping’s nationwide graft crackdown in 2012.
But Western countries have been reluctant to help in repatriating suspects, citing fears over China’s legal system and mistreatment of criminal suspects.
Beijing has said it will push for anti-corruption efforts to be high on the agenda when it hosts this year’s G20 summit in September.
China to host anti-corruption conference for OECD
The mainland’s criminal law does not cover trials in absentia. But in the past few years, academics and media commentators have called for such procedures to boost anti-corruption efforts.