China published a judicial explanation on the application of criminal law in relation to terrorism on the Ministry of Public Security's website yesterday.

It said cases should be strictly based on facts, without discrimination and under the principle of tempering justice with mercy.

The document urged authorities to differentiate normal religious activities from religious extremism and to protect freedom of religion.

It detailed how charges of "organizing, leading and participating in terrorist organizations," "inciting secession" and "funding terrorism" should be applied.

Aside from bombing, killing, hijacking and arson, those found to have started terrorist organizations or training camps, recruited new members, or indoctrinated others with religious extremism for terror purposes would be charged with "organizing, leading and participating terrorist organizations."

Those who take part in a terrorist organization, receive terrorist training and plot border crossings for terrorism will be charged with "participating in terrorist organizations."

Publishing and distributing books, audio and video products and other materials containing religious extremism and terror content will come under the term "inciting secession."

This would also apply to disseminating religious extremism via websites, e-mail and instant messaging applications, through mobile phones, electronic reading devices or other storage media.

People knowingly funding terrorism or providing terrorists with vehicles, weapons or other equipment will be found face "funding terrorism" charges.

The document also said that insults such as "religious traitor" and "heretic" could lead to a conviction for "provoking disorder" and the making and showing of banners and other material of religious extremism would be made a criminal offense.

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