China allows media coverage, broadcast of 'important cases'

China has decided to allow media coverage of "important cases", according to a revised protocol on court hearings made public today which also said that courts may run live or recorded broadcast of such trials.
According to the revised protocol, defendants will no longer be required to wear restraints such as handcuffs or shackles in most cases. Defendants standing trial while in custody will also not be required to wear prison uniforms.
The protocol, which has been in effect since 1994, has undergone a large-scale revision with 15 new articles added to better protect the rights of defendants and other participants of court hearings.

Witnesses and victims in criminal cases can testify via video link from a separated room if they need special protection, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.
Courts are encouraged to open more to the public. They are required to publish information about the hearings on official websites and billboards.
The court can run a live or recorded broadcast of hearings of important cases on TV, the Internet and other media. They will also allow media to cover the hearings, the report said.

Courts have been asked to install barrier-free facilities so that disabled citizens can attend court hearings.
Measures are also adopted to ensure security and order in court. Except if being used as evidence, fire arms, explosives, controlled knives, unidentified liquid, gel and powder are now banned from all court rooms.

Without the court's permission, pictures or live broadcast of hearings has been banned, and posters, banners and leaflets can no longer be brought into court.
Those who disrupt court order, threaten judges, prosecutors and other parties, destroy court property or evidence during the hearing will face serious punishment.