If the Chinese Communist Party has its way, anybody guilty of “hurting the sensibilities of the Chinese nation” might face prison time.
The proposed amendment would increase the penalty for offending national sensibilities by symbols, speech, protest, or any other means to two weeks in prison. This proposed change is currently being considered.
The National People’s Congress remarked on Monday about the measure and said that a detailed report recording the changes and any updated drafts would eventually be given for assessment to the Standing Committee, complying with the established legal procedures.
The CCP and the National People’s Congress have been trying to calm public concerns and resistance to the proposed modification by assuring the Chinese people that their opinions would be considered before the final wording is written.
They are “eager to receive feedback” from the public on the proposed law via the proper channels. As stated by the NPC, these opinions are “concrete proof of the people’s interest and orderly involvement in the national legislative action, which is of enormous importance.”
The legislature added that the legal affairs of the NPC Standing Committee will thoroughly sort out and examine all sorts of comments voiced by the citizens and relevant parties on the requested draft legislation. The NPC said the committee offers recommendations for handling the clauses that garnered the most attention.
Opponents of the proposal argue that it will provide authorities unchecked power without providing them with clear guidelines by having too many vague interpretations.
Six distinct types of infractions are listed in the amendment’s present language as likely to “hurt the emotions” of the nation.
Transgressions would be renamed “infractions” instead of “crimes” if this proposal were to pass.
The Biden Administration tried to slip a similar department under the radar when they formed what was dubbed “the Ministry of Truth,” an unelected body of people who would judge words.
