国内英语新闻:China bans forced confessions in investigations

BEIJING, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- China has reiterated its ban on corporal punishment and forced self-incrimination in police investigations in a revised regulation on the handling of criminal cases.

The revised regulation, released on Wednesday by the Ministry of Public Security, is aimed at helping courts adapt to the newly amended Criminal Procedure Law, which stresses "respecting and protecting human rights."

The regulation features a provision that bans coerced confessions and torture in its general principle chapter, as well as clarifies the range of activities that may be recorded or videotaped to boost real-time investigation monitoring.

It further clarifies the rights of suspects who are in detention, such as their right to have contact with lawyers, inform family members of forced measures and receive food.

A substantial number of rules related to lawyers' engagement in criminal proceedings, evidence usage and investigative measures were modified.

Stipulations for criminal cases concerning foreigners and international police cooperation were also modified, according to the regulation.

The revised regulation will take effect on Jan. 1, 2013, along with the amended Criminal Procedural Law.