31,555 officials in China convicted for work related crimes

A total of 31,555 Chinese officialswere convicted of work-related crimes in 2013, 23% of whom were given prison terms in excess of five years, a court official said today.

A total of 31,555 Chinese officials were convicted of work-related crimes in 2013, 23% of whom were given prison terms in excess of five years, a court official said today.

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Over 680 held high positions (above county level) and nearly 70% of them were sentenced to at least five years, said Pei Xianding, director of the second criminal court under the Supreme People's Court.

Work-related crimes included embezzlement and bribery; dereliction of duty; infringement of citizens' personal rights and democratic rights.

The number of corrupt officials dropped slightly, perhaps as a result of the anti-corruption campaign which has been running since late 2012.

Officials are no longer so free to take advantage of their positions, Pei said during a webcast interview.

Over 90% of the senior officials stood trial in places where they had not held positions to avoid interference, he said.