Secret execution of death sentences, parading of convicts and
other inhumane treatment of prisoners are banned.
The order defining the judicial procedures on death sentences
was issued yesterday by the Supreme People's Court, the Supreme
People's Procuratorate, the Ministry of Public Security and the
Ministry of Justice.
The Supreme People's Court (SPC) has been reviewing all death
sentences from January 1 based on a decision of the Standing
Committee of the National People's Congress last October.
The new directive urges judicial departments to strictly
control, and prudently apply, death sentences.
They should ensure the legal rights of suspects and defendants;
and strike a balance between punishments and leniency.
Those sentenced to death have the right to meet their family
members and relatives after the court ruling.
The new order reiterates that securing confessions through
torture is barred.
The order admits that some wrong death sentences in recent years
have exposed loopholes in judicial procedures.
It stresses that all law enforcement organs should cooperate
with each other in dealing with such cases to ensure that every
death sentence is handled fairly.
To rectify the situation, the court has decided to restrict the
use of the death penalty, protect the lawful rights of suspects and
accused, and to pay more attention to evidence rather than
confessions.
(China Daily March 12, 2007)