Public irked over officials using get-out-of-jail cards

Beijing - Officials found guilty of crimes have their sentences reduced much more frequently than other convicts, a situation that is not sitting well with the public.

About 20 to 30 percent of prisoners get a reduction in their penalties, while for convicted officials that number is 70 percent, Xinhua News Agency reported.

"I think corruption is a very severe crime, but in recent years most of the officials, even those who took huge bribes, are sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve," said Chen Lu, a 27-year-old engineer.