For example, after the counter-revolutionary offences were abolished from criminal law, a similar range of crimes against national security was introduced. A martial law passed in 1997 that allows basic rights to be suspended during a time of national crisis goes beyond international standards. In addition, the protection afforded an accused via mechanisms such as access to lawyers, and the right to a defense, is minimal. As a result, the state's power to detain citizens is practically limitless. Many individuals are detained for writing open letters or signing petitions to the government.
Authorities are more relentless during political sessions and significant events.
For example, a wave of arrests took place before and during the annual session of the National People's Congress in February of this year, and again in May as the anniversary of the Tienneman Square crackdown drew near. Similarly, many are detained for taking part in workers protests as occurred in the Sichuan province in July, 1998. It has also been reported that people have been detained merely for being related to political dissidents. This is a form of administrative detention imposed by local government committees, and it is used extensively throughout China. Conditions in Chinese detention centres are harsh.