Yunnan puts laojiao approvals on hold

Officials say reform of outdated re-education system is 'imperative'

Southwest China's Yunnan province has suspended the approval of laojiao decisions, a system of re-education through labor that Chinese lawmakers expect to abolish this year.

Those who are suspected of jeopardizing State security, repeatedly petitioning and defaming Chinese leaders will no longer be punished through laojiao, Meng Sutie, secretary of the provincial Party's commission of politics and law, said on Tuesday during a televised meeting.