Mail-tampering ban broadened
The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress has beefed up the Postal Law, widening the category of people who are specifically banned from tampering with mail.
But analysts pointed out that the law continued to allow mail to be opened to protect 'state security'.
In its original version the law banned 'postal service workers from opening, hiding, damaging or discarding others' letters'. Under the amendment, not only postal workers but all organisations and individuals are forbidden from opening, hiding, damaging or discarding the letters of others, unless specifically authorised.
Personal mail is treated more casually on the mainland, with parents, teachers and employers often opening letters to people they know.
Wu Bangguo , the chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, told Xinhua that the amendment could 'improve protection of mail security and citizens' rights'.
The amendment, however, leaves intact an exception for state and public security bureaus and agencies, which are entitled to check and keep mail and deliveries 'for the sake of state security or criminal investigations'. Courier services are also obliged to offer client information if security bureaus deem it necessary.
Many mainlanders have dark memories from the 1950s-1970s era, when letters could be checked for an 'overseas relationship or connection'. People still complain of violations. Whistle-blowers regularly have their complaint letters sent to officials they have criticised.
Legal experts said the amendment was a 'positive move', but were concerned that police and state security officials could open mail by citing 'vaguely defined' state security.
'It's obvious many state organs can find an excuse to check people's mail, such as letters belonging to democracy advocates or activists, or tap their phones' said Liu Guiliang, a professor at Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications.
