China Adopts Trial In Absentia, in a Move Analysts Say Will Target Overseas Dissidents

The Chinese Supreme People's Court building in Beijing on Mar. 30, 2006. On Dec. 23, a public prosecutor in Chongqing indirectly stated that he could find no legal basis for the campaign of prohibition and persecution against Falun Gong, the traditional Chinese spiritual discipline. STR/AFP/Getty Images

The Chinese regime’s highest court issued a detailed interpretation of a criminal procedure law on Feb. 4, stipulating that trial in absentia can be applied to defendants who “seriously endanger national security” and are based outside China, according to Chinese media reports.

“Trial in absentia” refers to criminal proceedings in which a defendant is not physically present to attend said proceedings.