Chinese courts told to ignore testimonies through torture

The Supreme People's Court (SPC) has told courts at all levels to exclude evidence and testimonies obtained through torture and other illegal methods in a bid to promote fair justice.

According to an SPC document made public Thursday on setting up and improving a mechanism to prevent wrong judgements in criminal cases, illegal evidence and a defendant's testimony obtained through torture or other illegal methods such as forcing the accused to suffer from extreme temperatures, hunger and fatigue must be ruled out.

"Evidence must be valued. The traditional concept and practice of a testimony being the most paramount should be changed, and more attention should be paid to examining and using material evidence," the document said.

According to the document, courts should strictly follow legal procedures and responsibilities during a case. They are forbidden to take part in investigations by police and prosecuting organs.

Cases that might involve wrong judgements should be counterchecked, and rulings that have been determined to be improper must be corrected in a timely manner, the document said.

"People's courts must stick to exercising their jurisdiction lawfully and independently. ... They should not make any judgements against the law under the pressure of public opinion or involved parties' appeals, or in the name of 'maintaining social stability,'" said the document.