The Standing Committee of National People's Congress, China's top legislature, on Thursday approved the nominations of 26 "exchange" judges and prosecutors, who are expected to help clean up China's justice system.
The officials include Presidents of High People's Courts and Procurators-General of People's Procuratorates at provincial, municipal and autonomous regional level nominated by local legislatures.
The Supreme People's Court has promulgated a nationwide campaign since last year to have incoming judicial officials work outside their home areas.
The campaign has been supported by China's top leaders and special subsidies have been appropriated for officials working away from home.
The exchange officials approved on Thursday were the largest group, accounted for half of all judiciary officials at provincial levels in China.
Justice officials have frequently faced interference during investigations, the acquisition of evidence and other procedures.
Some defendants use local connections and bribery to pressure officials and even prosecutors or judges directly dealing with their cases.
The practice is expected to set the justice officials free from complicated social and official networks.
Zhou Yongkang, member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Political Bureau, told the incoming justice officials that they should engage in righting social injustice.
Zhou, also secretary of the CPC Central Committee of Political and Law Affairs, said the exchange officials should focus on providing public security and maintaining judicial independence and fairness.
Head of the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee Li Yuanchao told the exchange officials they should adapt to their new work places and face new challenges.