中国40年来首次特赦

A special amnesty could be offered to some prisoners in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the end of the World War II, according to a draft document submitted to China's top legislature for deliberation Monday.

Categories of prisoners for consideration include: those in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression; those who participated in any war to protect national sovereignty and territorial integrity since 1949, and were later imprisoned for various crimes; those over 75 years with a severe disability; and those who were under 18 years when they committed their crimes.

Prisoners who committed felonies such as corruption, severely violent crimes, murder, drug trafficking or terrorism will not be eligible.

The amnesty, if approved, will be the first in four decades. Seven amnesties have been provided in the past—between 1959 and 1975.