China mulls abolition of laojiao

BEIJING -- The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) began reading of a motion on abolition of the reeducation through labor system (laojiao) on Monday.

The "State Council's decision on issues of reeducation through labor" was approved by top legislature in 1957, demonstrating the establishment of the "laojiao" system. The "State Council's supplementary regulations on reeducation through labor" were approved in 1979.

The motion points out that, for over 50 years, the laojiao system played an historically important role in safeguarding public security, maintaining social stability and correcting illegal behavior. Constant improvement to the legal system means the historical mission of laojiao has been completed.