China has removed a contentious provision from the most recent review of a law governing people security that would have punished those found guilty of “hurting the feelings of the Chinese country” months after the proposal sparked outcry and concerns about potential abuse.
The Public Security Administration Consequences Law, which generally targets minor crimes, had six works in its crosshairs when it first appeared in September of last year.
These included “wearing, displaying or decorating in public places, or forcing others to use, show or design, clothes or symbols that are detrimental to the heart or the feelings of the Chinese country”.  ,
Offenders could face up to 15 days in detention and/or a maximum fine of 5, 000 yuan ( US$ 687 ).
The wording has been amended in the latest draft, which was submitted to China’s top legislature, the National People’s Congress ( NPC ), for a second review at its session last week.  ,
It now targets clothes or symbols that “promote or promote extreme war or violent behavior, causing a unfavorable social impact” or “promote or honor it.”
” DIFFICULT TO DEFINE”
According to Mr. Shen Chunyao, deputy chairman of the NPC constitution and law committee, the original phrase was” subjective,” making it “difficult to define its meaning in legislation and hard to understand in law enforcement,” as per the South China Morning Post (SCMP ) quoted by the ruling Communist Party newspaper on Tuesday ( Jul 2 ), the original phrase was” subjective.”
There is concern that law enforcement does violate the public’s basic right. This document revision will no longer use this appearance, according to Mr. Shen, taking into account various aspects and law enforcement needs.
When made public in September 2023, the first draft had sparked a public protest over concerns about potential abuse. Chinese legal professionals likewise expressed concern that the modifications could be used haphazardly, Reuters reported.
Mr Tong Zhiwei, a law teacher in Shanghai, wrote on Weibo that quarter:” Who confirms the’ nature of the Chinese state ‘ and according to what process? Who recognises the’ feelings of the Chinese nation ‘ and according to what procedures” ? ,