Causing a disturbance redefined

The Supreme People's Court and Supreme People's Procuratorate issued a notice to further define the crime of causing a disturbance.

The notice took effect earlier this week.

According to the notice, disturbance-causing behaviors that are deemed as thrill-seeking, emotional venting or reckless or rude will be punishable under the offense.

Further, those who provoke disputes on purpose will face an accusation of causing a disturbance.

But assault, abuse, posing threats or destroying and occupying the property of others in domestic or debt disputes will not fall under the charge of causing a disturbance. Domestic disputes involve family members, spouses or neighbors, according to the notice.

According to the Criminal Law, those detained on charges of causing a disturbance will face up to three years of jail time.

Harsher punishments will be given in more serious circumstances, such as beatings in which the victims are mentally ill, disabled, elderly, beggars, pregnant women or minors.