China's top procuratorate clarifies law application for epidemic-related crimes

China has offered clear guidelines for procurators to enforce the law in handling illegal cases related to the prevention and control of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), according to the Supreme People's Procuratorate.

Tougher punishment will be inflicted on COVID-19 patients and carriers of the pathogen if they intentionally spread the virus by refusing or escaping from isolation and treatment, entering public venues or using public transport, on charges of the crime against public security in a dangerous manner, the guideline said.

Suspected patients will be punished this way only if they cause the spread of the virus, it added.

Violence against urban and rural community workers who are organized by the government to work on epidemic prevention and control shall be considered crime of disrupting public services, according to the guideline.

The guideline advised procurators to grant leniency to business owners, technicians and managers at key positions to minimize adverse effects on business resumption amid the coronavirus outbreak.

If lawyers are not able to attend the trials on court, they should be involved via video conferencing to protect the legitimate rights and interests of suspects, according to the guideline.