CHINA

China Overhauls Prison Law to Bolster Inmate Rights and Transparency

Published: May. 5, 2026 4:20 p.m. GMT+8

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The Prison Law. Photo: VCG

China has comprehensively overhauled its Prison Law for the first time in 13 years, explicitly writing the protection of human rights into the statute’s general provisions and shifting the focus of the penal system toward rehabilitating offenders.

The Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress passed the revised legislation on Thursday. Scheduled to take effect on Nov. 1, the new law represents a significant expansion, growing from 78 articles in seven chapters to 121 articles across eight chapters.

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China overhauled Prison Law after 13 years, expanding from 78 to 121 articles; passed by Standing Committee, effective Nov 1.
Enshrines human rights protection, rehabilitation focus; adds legal liability chapter for guards/officials, mandates transparency.
Expands inmate rights (appeals, communication, visits, exercise); introduces tiered reintegration, compassionate leave, prosecutorial oversight.

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