A new version of the draft to protect judges' interests and rights was submitted to the 13th Standing Committee of the National People's Congress on Dec 23.

Guaranteeing that judges' rights are protected while they perform their duties is an important part of China's judicial reform.

Violations of judges' rights have been frequent in recent years. Therefore, proposals were made to improve the regulations that protect judges.

“Judges” here refers to judicial personnel who exercise jurisdiction in accordance with law, and includes presidents, vice-presidents, members of the judicial committee, the chief judge, deputy chief judges and adjudicators of the Supreme People's Court, local courts at various levels and special courts like military courts.

According to the amendment, professional dignity and personal safety are protected by law and no unit or individual is allowed to retaliate against judges or their close relatives.

Crimes such as taking revenge and framing, insulting and libeling, violating, threatening and harassing judges and their close relatives will be punished strictly in accordance with the law.

In addition, judges and their close relatives should be protected by the courts and the public security organs when they face dangerous conditions due to fulfilling their legal judicial duties.