The accused in a criminal action will be given full respect by court to guarantee their legal rights before the court makes a final judgment, the Beijing No 1 Intermediate People's Court revealed.

The court vowed to create a healthy environment for suspects through strict disinfection measures at detention rooms and in police transportation.

According to a series of measures adopted by the court, the heads of culprits will be covered by non-reusable skullcaps when being apprehended and moved to protect their human rights.

Meanwhile, religious beliefs and social customs observed by foreign suspects and those belonging to ethnic groups are to be fully respected by court policemen, said sources.

"They will have a special mess hall for dining," Vice-President of the court Ma Zirong said.

"Before the court makes decisions to prove that the suspects are guilty, the accused involved in criminal actions are only suspects. Thus their human rights should be given full respect."

Meanwhile, handcuffs on criminal suspects will be removed when entering the courtroom as of now.

Criminal case defendants who are elderly, disabled or in poor health will be taken care of during their stay at the court as necessary medicines will be provided for them, said sources with the court.

For those criminal suspects aged under 18, separate rooms will be provided to them to guarantee the defendants' psychological health.

(China Daily August 13, 2003)