IN BRIEF (Page 18)

NGOs given legal powers, support

The Supreme People's Court has introduced new measures to provide environmental NGOs with stronger legal support and greater power to sue those who violate the country's Environmental protection laws. The move comes after some environmental cases were rejected by the courts because of stringent requirements on NGOs to prove they were legally recognized. The new judicial interpretation means NGOs with no administrative or criminal convictions over the past five years can now lodge public-interest lawsuits relating to the environment. NGOs will also be allowed to sue companies or individuals, irrespective of where they are registered.

Academy to step up green research