On Sept 1, the Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP) and the Ministry of Veterans Affairs jointly released a batch of typical cases of procuratorial public interest litigation aimed at protecting cultural artifacts and historical sites related to the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and preserving the war's history.
Released on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, these cases aim to fully leverage their exemplary role, further strengthen supervision over public interest litigation, enhance coordination among relevant departments for the systematic protection of historical and cultural resources related to the resistance war, and promote remembrance of the war's history and the inheritance of its spirit across society.
The 11 cases released comprehensively and objectively reflect the history of the War of Resistance, featuring a diverse array of types. The historical and cultural resources involved in the cases highlight the pivotal role of the Communist Party of China (CPC) as the backbone of the nation's resistance during the war, while also reflecting the significant contribution of the Kuomintang forces in the frontal battlefield. These resources also underscore the Chinese people's tremendous sacrifices for the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War, demonstrating the heroic spirit of military and civilians united against aggressors in the main eastern theater of the anti-fascist war.
According to the head of the SPP's Public Interest Litigation Procuratorial Department, the cases released underscore not only the armed forces led by the CPC, but also the Kuomintang's efforts on the frontal battlefields, the joint participation of all ethnic groups, and support of international assistance.
Regarding the focus of protection, the cases involve martyr memorial facilities, other revolutionary sites, and various Red cultural resources. In terms of effectiveness, procuratorial organs have urged administrative agencies to restore memorial sites and artifacts belonging to martyrs, continue on-site protection for dispersed martyr graves, promote classification of movable and immovable cultural relics for the purpose of appropriate protection, and conduct identification and preventive protection for war-related sites and remains.
In handling most of the cases, procuratorial organs have urged relevant administrative agencies to actively fulfill their duties and safeguard public interests through consultations and procuratorial recommendations. In some cases, the facts of violations were confirmed through litigation, prompting corresponding administrative agencies to undertake substantive protection actions.
