Prosecutors use new media to boost transparency

The top prosecuting department will use new media such as micro blogs and mobile phone messaging to release information on major cases to improve transparency, the Supreme People's Procuratorate said on Wednesday.

"We will hold regular press briefings and release timely information on proceedings about major cases and important judicial interpretations on the official website, or through new media platforms like micro blogs and mobile phone messaging to boost transparency," said Yan Li, a press officer for the procuratorate.

Over the past five years, the procuratorate has held few news briefings and seldom publicized information on major cases on its official website.

"The measures are aimed at upholding people's rights to know and to participate in judicial matters, as well as improving social communication in the age of new media," she said.

On April 15, the procuratorate launched an official account on a mobile messaging application to enhance openness.

The top prosecuting department also launched its mobile news portal run by information portal sohu.com after opening its micro blog on three platforms - sina.com, qq.com and jcrb.com - last month.

The procuratorate said the move is also expected to encourage prosecuting departments at each level to adapt to the new communication environment.

Tian Wei, a lawyer from the Beijing Lawyers Association, said that the communication platform will allow people to learn more about major cases and provide public scrutiny to avoid any miscarriage of justice.