Campaign targets bribery by convicts

Chinese prosecutors have launched a campaign targeting convicts who are wealthy or influential to prevent them from illegally seeking commutation of sentences.

More than 88,800 criminals were released illegally on probation, served their sentences outside of prison or have had prison terms commuted illegally between 2010 and August this year, according to a report submitted by the Supreme People's Procuratorate to the top legislature.

Those involved often use their connections and personal influence to bribe prison and justice officials to claim commutations and evade imprisonment, the report said.