Fair trials for all

In May 2006, Beijing extended use of a system of detention without trial called Re-education Through Labour, to "clean up" the city’s image before the Olympics. Used since the mid-1950s, the system targets those who have committed minor offences but are not legally considered criminals. They are forced to work for long hours, similar to compulsory labour in prisons.

People can be detained for three years, with the possible addition of a fourth. Offences punishable by the system include unlawful advertising, unlicensed taxis, unlicensed businesses, vagrancy and begging. Authorities can also punish peaceful protest or dissent.

Hundreds of thousands are believed to be held in Re-education Through Labour facilities across China. All are at high risk of torture or ill-treatment.

China’s use of administrative detention is incompatible with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. It falls short on the rights of detainees to be brought promptly before a judge; the right to a fair trial; and the prohibition of forced or compulsory labour.

Amnesty International has called on China to abolish Re-education Through Labour and other forms of punitive administrative detention. Pending their abolition, the authorities should ensure that the Beijing police do not use detention without trial to clean up the city.

Read more:

China: Abolishing "Re-education through Labour" and other forms of punitive administrative detention: An opportunity to bring the law into line with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.