By Kim Rahn Staff Reporter The statute of limitations for crimes that are punishable by the death sentence is likely to be extended to 25 years. The National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee presented a revision bill on criminal procedures to a plenary session Thursday which proposes a general strengthening of penalties for crimes. The Assembly is expected to pass the bill soon. According to the revision bill, the statute of limitations for death penalty crimes will be increased from 15 years to 25 years. The statute of limitations is the length of time prosecutors can prosecute a criminal after an offense has been committed. For crimes punishable by life sentence, the statute of limitations will be extended from the current 10 years to 15 years. It will also will be increased from seven years to 10 years for crimes subject to 10 years in prison or more, and from five years to seven years for crimes punishable by jail terms under 10 years. The committee also acknowledged a revision bill of the law on crimes under jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court, so the statute of limitations for crimes against humanity, including massacre and warfare, will be lifted and such offenders will be traced forever no matter how many years have passed since their crimes. The law, however, will not be retroactive. The revision bill will also forbid the inspection of prison inmates' letters. Prisoners will be able to write letters without prior permission being granted _ something they have needed so far. Correctional officers will also be allowed to use tasers to control violent inmates. rahnita@koreatimes.co.kr