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China milk scandal penalty upheld China milk scandal terms upheld
(about 3 hours later)
One of the men convicted over a milk contamination scandal in China has lost his appeal against the death sentence. A court has upheld the sentences of five people convicted over a milk contamination scandal in China.
Geng Jinping sold hundreds of tonnes of milk contaminated with a toxic chemical to China's largest milk firm, Sanlu. The ex-head of China's largest milk firm lost her appeal against a life sentence for selling hundreds of tonnes of milk laced with a toxic chemical.
Six babies died and more than 300,000 children were left ill after ingesting melamine, which was added to enhance the milk's apparent protein level.Six babies died and more than 300,000 children were left ill after ingesting melamine, which was added to enhance the milk's apparent protein level.
In a separate case, a Chinese court has agreed to hear the first civil claim for compensation against Sanlu. Two people face the death penalty, one a life term and another eight years.
A number of parents have rejected a government-sponsored compensation scheme saying it is inadequate, and does not address the long-term health risks resulting from the poisoning. State media said a court in Hebei Province rejected the appeal by Tian Wenhua, the former chairwoman of now-defunct Sanlu Group, at the centre of the dairy contamination.
The 66-year-old was the highest-ranking executive charged over the scandal.
According to state media, the court also upheld a death sentence against Zhang Yujun, convicted of producing and selling the tainted milk, and a life sentence against Zhang Yanzhang, who acted as a middle man in supplying the toxic product to dairies.
Supreme courtSupreme court
Geng Jinping and his brother were found guilty earlier this year for their roles in supplying hundreds of tonnes of milk containing melamine to dairies. Earlier, the death sentence was upheld against Geng Jinping, who managed a milk production centre and was found guilty of supplying milk containing melamine to dairies.
State media said a court in the northern city of Shijiazhuang - the home of the now-defunct Sanlu Group - upheld the sentences. His brother Geng Jinzhu, who was sentenced to eight years in prison for his role, also had his appeal turned down.
Geng Jinping, who managed a milk production centre, will be executed if the Supreme Court approves the lower court's decision. In a separate case, a Chinese court has agreed to hear the first civil claim for compensation against Sanlu.
His brother Geng Jinzhu, who was sentenced to eight years in prison, also had his appeal turned down. A number of parents have rejected a government-sponsored compensation scheme, saying it is inadequate, and does not address the long-term health risks resulting from the poisoning.
An appeal trial for two other defendants, who were convicted of endangering public safety, is scheduled for later on Thursday, according to Xinhua news agency.
One was sentenced to death, another to life in prison.