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)