Eliminating 'gift' exemption in bribery cases to be considered

The top legislative authority will discuss a proposal to amend the criminal law to prohibit government officials from seeking exemption from bribery cases with the excuse of "accepting gifts".

The National People's Congress Standing Committee will convene a bimonthly session from Oct 27 to Nov 1, and lawmakers will consider a series of draft laws and amendments, including a draft amendment to the criminal law.

Officials accepting gifts or money are not susceptible to criminal charges under the current law, and many corrupt officials have sought to defend themselves from bribery charges by alleging that the bribes they are accused of accepting were merely gifts from friends.