Severe punishment for terrorism: chief justice

Zhou Qiang, head of the Supreme People's Court, has urged courts across the country to hand down severe sentences for terrorists to maintain safety and stability.

Speaking at a Friday's meeting, Zhou told courts at all levels to serve their justice function to the utmost and strengthen the fight against terrorism.

According to the Zhou, those responsible for crimes of violent terrorism, such as the Kunming railway station attack on March 1 that left 29 civilians dead, and destruction of military facilities must be dealt with "heavily and quickly" in accordance with the law.

Zhou stressed lawful handling of economic cases to provide judicial guarantees for reform.

Court officials were told to improve their professional competence, voluntarily accept public scrutiny and positively respond to public concerns.