In 2024, China’s procuratorial bodies have ramped up their fight against crimes involving cultural relics, approving the arrests of 1,069 suspects linked to activities such as tomb raiding and illegal trafficking. According to the Supreme People’s Procuratorate (SPP), last year saw charges brought against 1,910 individuals for similar offences, underscoring a significant commitment to safeguarding the nation’s cultural heritage.
From January 2019 through December 2024, the nation’s procuratorial organs have managed over 20,000 public interest cases focusing on heritage protection, tackling numerous vital issues surrounding the preservation and responsible use of cultural assets. The efforts reflect a dedicated approach to ensure that cultural treasures are respected and safeguarded for future generations.
With the recent enactment of a revised law for relic protection, the SPP is set to lead local agencies in implementing specialised supervision campaigns tailored to their unique regional heritage. These initiatives will highlight the protection of grotto temples, traditional villages, revolutionary sites, and intangible cultural practices, cultivating a deeper appreciation and defence of cultural identities across the country.
In 2024, China’s procuratorates arrested 1,069 individuals for cultural relic crimes. They charged 1,910 people in the previous year and manage over 20,000 cases on heritage protection. A newly revised law will further bolster cultural site protections through tailored supervision campaigns.
Chinese procuratorial efforts are intensifying in 2024, with over 1,000 arrests related to cultural relic crimes underscoring the importance of heritage preservation. The ongoing management of thousands of public interest cases and the establishment of specialised campaigns reflect a determined strategy to bolster cultural protections, ensuring the rich history of China is preserved amidst modern challenges.
Original Source: www.chinadaily.com.cn
