Excerpted from Daily India:
New York-based Human Rights in China (HRIC) has asked Beijing to give a clear definition of what constitutes a state secret. The group believes that it would help in narrowing down laws that in effect allow Beijing to prosecute anyone it decides is a troublemaker.
...
China's secrets system violates the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which Beijing has signed but not ratified, said Sharon Hom, executive director of HRIC.
"China says it wants to be a respected international player. There is a need to move from a culture of secrecy to a culture of tolerance, which means they have to allow dissenting voices," The Independent quoted Hom, as saying.
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For more information on this issue:
- HRIC Report:
State Secrets: China's Legal Labyrinth - HRIC Press Release:
HRIC Report Details State Secrets System - China Rights Forum, No.2 2007:
Legal Reform and Accountability - HRIC Trends Bulletin:
Setback for the Rule of Law – Lawyers Under Attack in China - China Rights Forum, No.2 2005:
Law and Justice - China Rights Forum, No.2 2003:
Rule of Law