Case goes forward even though statute of limitations has expired The Supreme People's Procuratorate has approved the prosecution of three men in Fujian province accused of killing a storekeeper during a robbery 26 years ago, even though the statute of limitations has expired. It is the second time in two months that authorities have used their power to make an exception to the law, which states that suspects will not be prosecuted if a guilty verdict cannot be secured between the time a crime was committed and the end of a sentence they likely would have received. For example, for a crime that could result in a life sentence, the limit is 20 years, since life sentences are commonly reduced. A court in the same province sentenced one man to life in prison and his accomplice to 10 years in June after they confessed to another deadly robbery in the mid-1990s. Both cases come after the SPP and the Ministry of Public Security issued a notice in late April urging police to pursue suspects wanted for certain crimes even if the statute of limitations had passed. The document listed more than 100 situations in which a person can be prosecuted after the time limit - for example, if they are accused of concealing or destroying a body after an accident, adding substandard ingredients to infant formula or engaging in abuse or threats that result in someone committing suicide. "The law already says suspects can be prosecuted with approval from the SPP, but it's vague and usually ignored by grassroots police departments and prosecutors," said Yi Shenghua, a criminal attorney with Yingke Law Firm in Beijing. The three men to stand trial - identified as Wang, Zhou and Song - are accused of stabbing to death the owner of a clothing store during a robbery in Fu'an in March 1991. The attackers escaped, but police found fingerprints at the scene. In December, Wang was detained on suspicion of another robbery, and police said his fingerprints matched those found almost three decades ago. Wang named the other two suspects, who were taken into custody in January, police said. The duo convicted in June, who killed a grocery store owner in Sanming in 1994 in order to steal 480 yuan ($71), surrendered to police in February last year, according to Fujian's prosecuting authority. Yi, the attorney, predicted China will see more prosecutions for crimes in which the statute of limitations has expired. "If there was a very serious case that left psychological trauma to the whole of society three decades ago, people won't forget it," he said. "If we finally find the suspect because of improved means of investigation or other reasons, he or she should still receive punishment. That will help deter wrongdoers." charity braceletswristband keychainrubber bracelet makerballer bandsmotivational bracelets for athletesprinted braceletscustom rubber bands
China-Kazakhstan cooperation on jointly building the Belt and Road is helpful for the revival of the ancient Silk Road trade route, President Xi Jinping said in a message on Tuesday. Xi's remarks were presented at a ceremony in Kazakhstan's capital, Astana, for the publication of Beautiful China and Beautiful Kazakhstan, a joint picture album with over 200 photos of the countries' natural scenery and people. The publication marks the connecting of China-proposed Silk Road Economic Belt with Kazakhstan's Bright Road new economic policy. Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev also sent a message. This year is the 25th anniversary of Sino-Kazakhstan diplomatic relations. They should deepen cooperation, encourage their traditional friendship and join hands to create a better future, Xi said. Xi said that the two countries have made great contributions to promoting cultural exchanges. The publication of the album has great significance since it displays the beauty of the two countries and shows the friendship of its peoples, Xi said. Nazarbayev said in his message that the China-proposed Silk Road Economic Belt and Kazakhstan's Bright Road new economic policy will bring new opportunities for the development of the ancient trade route. This year is Tourism Year of China in Kazakhstan, he said, adding that tourism will boost mutual understanding and deepen friendship between the two countries. A series of activities involving Sino-Kazakh cooperation was unveiled at the ceremony, one day before Xi's state visit. Television entities from the countries signed agreements about exchanging TV programming as the two countries started the Silk Road Theater project. Among those signing such exchanges were Xinjiang Television and Kazakh partner Habbar Channel. Talent exchanges and media cooperation have become the new highlights of Sino-Kazakh relations, said Zhou Jihong, deputy director of the international bureau of the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television. "Several Chinese dramas have been broadcast by Kazakh television channels, and were welcomed by local people," she said. Zhou said that as the Silk Road Theater project begins, the Xinjiang channel and Kazakh channels will be among those able to broadcast more quality TV projects from each other's country.
