Detention rule triggers debate

Amendment 'runs counter to spirit' of law on compensation

BEIJING - Police departments need not pay compensation to suspects detained for up to 37 days even if they are later not charged with any crime, according to the latest draft amendment to the State Compensation Law which the country's top legislature has started to review.

However, if a person is illegally detained, or detained longer than stipulated, police have to pay compensation, according to the draft amendment submitted to the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee for the fourth reading on Monday.