This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/5341268.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Media controls for Chinese courts Media controls for Chinese courts
(about 4 hours later)
China has announced tighter controls governing communication between court officials and the media.China has announced tighter controls governing communication between court officials and the media.
Special spokesmen would now release all information to journalists, state-run Xinhua news agency said, and leaks from court officials would be punished.Special spokesmen would now release all information to journalists, state-run Xinhua news agency said, and leaks from court officials would be punished.
Officials would decide on releasing details of "sensitive cases", including ones involving foreigners, Xinhua said.Officials would decide on releasing details of "sensitive cases", including ones involving foreigners, Xinhua said.
Correspondents say the move comes as China tightens its already rigid control over the country's media.Correspondents say the move comes as China tightens its already rigid control over the country's media.
Xiao Yang, President of the Supreme People's Court, said that 65 official spokesmen had been appointed.Xiao Yang, President of the Supreme People's Court, said that 65 official spokesmen had been appointed.
"With the spokesman system, the courts will adopt a more positive attitude towards news reporting and publicity work," Xinhua quoted him as saying."With the spokesman system, the courts will adopt a more positive attitude towards news reporting and publicity work," Xinhua quoted him as saying.
"All the important information will be released by the spokesmen.""All the important information will be released by the spokesmen."
But cases involving foreigners, national security, ethnic groups, religion and "sensitive issues" would be examined before being released to the media, his deputy Cao Jianming said.But cases involving foreigners, national security, ethnic groups, religion and "sensitive issues" would be examined before being released to the media, his deputy Cao Jianming said.
Those giving "improper" news to the media would be punished, he said.Those giving "improper" news to the media would be punished, he said.
JailedJailed
Information about proceedings within China's opaque judicial system is often hard to obtain.Information about proceedings within China's opaque judicial system is often hard to obtain.
China says the moves will improve transparency in the courtsChina says the moves will improve transparency in the courts
In recent weeks, three prominent figures - Straits Times journalist Ching Cheong, New York Times researcher Zhao Yan and activist Chen Guangcheng - have been tried and convicted of various crimes.In recent weeks, three prominent figures - Straits Times journalist Ching Cheong, New York Times researcher Zhao Yan and activist Chen Guangcheng - have been tried and convicted of various crimes.
Information about their closed-door trials came from relatives of the defendants, their lawyers and unnamed court officials.Information about their closed-door trials came from relatives of the defendants, their lawyers and unnamed court officials.
The move comes only days after Xinhua announced that foreign media must now seek its approval before distributing any news and pictures within China.The move comes only days after Xinhua announced that foreign media must now seek its approval before distributing any news and pictures within China.
The new regulations give Xinhua the power to censor reports from foreign agencies that are deemed to be a danger to national unity or social stability.The new regulations give Xinhua the power to censor reports from foreign agencies that are deemed to be a danger to national unity or social stability.
Reporters without Borders said the changes could have a "serious impact" on the work of foreign news agencies.Reporters without Borders said the changes could have a "serious impact" on the work of foreign news agencies.
But Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao defended the measures in a speech in London on Tuesday. But Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao defended the measures on Wednesday.
"The Chinese government will continue to adhere to a policy of opening ourselves to the outside world," he said. "The open policy adopted by the Chinese government regarding foreign news media andfinancial information agencies operating in China remainsunchanged," he said in a press conference after meeting British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
"We will protect the legitimate rights and interests of foreign media who do coverage in China." "Information about commerce, finance and economic development will flow freely," he said.
Mr Wen is to meet British Prime Minister Tony Blair later in the day.