Focus on Elderly Rights
Beijing, June 3 (Electric) The Xicheng District of Beijing has entered a stage of severe aging. Recently, the Xicheng District People’s Procuratorate released the “White Paper on Elderly-Related Procuratorial Work (2021-2025)”, systematically reviewing the characteristics of cases involving the elderly and governance experiences over the past five years.
The white paper shows that over the five-year period, there were 278 cases of elderly victims in the district, involving 392 victims, with crimes against property accounting for over half, including many fraud and theft cases. In response to criminal acts infringing on the rights of the elderly, the Xicheng District Procuratorate adheres to a policy of “strict handling and precise crackdown.” In property-related crimes, recovering stolen assets and compensating losses is a key link in handling elderly cases. During the early intervention phase, guidance is provided to public security authorities to promptly take measures such as seizure, impoundment, and freezing. During the review and prosecution phase, returning stolen goods and compensating losses are important factors in sentencing recommendations, encouraging suspects to voluntarily make restitution.
“We have strengthened judicial assistance, handling 15 judicial aid cases for the elderly over the past five years. For elderly individuals with limited mobility or those who are frail and incapacitated, we conduct on-site case handling, hearings, and assistance. In one case of affray, the victim was a 91-year-old elderly person. Since the defendant had no assets for enforcement, the procuratorial authorities promptly initiated judicial assistance, providing relief funds to the victim and coordinating with the Disabled Persons’ Federation and the community to supply assistive devices for disabilities, achieving an integrated approach of ‘case handling, assistance, and governance.'”
The white paper analyzes the reasons why the elderly are vulnerable to becoming victims of crime, citing a combination of factors such as the psychological traits of the elderly, social environment, and the digital divide. For example, the elderly often have shrinking social circles and a high proportion live alone or in empty nests, making them more desperate for care and companionship. Criminals gain their trust through long-term emotional grooming before committing various types of fraud. On the other hand, with the rapid development of the information society, many elderly people have weak digital skills, lack the ability to discern information and assess risks, and are severely lacking in online fraud prevention capabilities.
The white paper indicates that over the past five years, the Xicheng District Procuratorate has handled a total of 25 public interest litigation cases involving the rights of the elderly, covering various aspects such as food, housing, and transportation. Additionally, the procuratorate conducts regular online and offline anti-fraud legal education to raise awareness among the elderly. It also collaborates with multiple forces, including civil affairs departments, street offices, and communities, to build a coordinated governance framework.
“We will integrate criminal, civil, administrative, and public interest litigation procuratorial functions to protect the well-being of the elderly in their later years with warm judicial measures.”
