Long court delays can bring payment

Accused robber whose case languished for 18 years applies for compensation

People accused of crimes who suffer long delays in getting a final court judgment can receive State compensation for time spent in detention and their cases can be thrown out, under a new judicial interpretation that took effect on Jan 1.

Under the interpretation issued by China's top court and procuratorate, if the police do not hand a case to prosecutors for more than one year after the expiration of bail, or if prosecutors do not move forward with a case, litigants may be eligible for compensation for past time spent under coercion, such as being held in a detention house.