In order to enhance judicial transparency, a spokesman system has been established in all Chinese higher courts and the Supreme People's Court (SPC), SPC President Xiao Yang said yesterday.

"We have now 65 spokesmen for courts at the two levels, including two spokesmen for the Supreme People's Court," Xiao said at a meeting about the courts' publicity work.

Xiao added that the spokesman system will instigate major changes in the courts' relations with the media.

"With the spokesman system, the courts will adopt a more positive attitude toward news reporting and publicity work," Xiao said.

He said the courts will have authority to release trial information at their own discretion, including explaining issues and refuting rumors.

The system also irons out the possibility of random interviews without court approval.

"All the important information will be released by the spokesmen. Other work staff with the courts can only accept interviews after media's applications are examined and approved by the court," Xiao said.

He stressed that judges should be particularly cautious with their words. They should not receive interviews without proper authorization or emit opinions over important and sensitive issues to the press.

SPC Deputy President Cao Jianming listed several "forbidden zones" for the courts. They are prohibited from releasing content related to state and commercial secrets or related to privacy rights violations, Cao said.

Courts are also prohibited from releasing the names, home addresses, photos or any personal information concerning defendants who are minors.

The courts will make public only the rulings as well as basic facts and reasons for cases not being given a public hearing, he said.

Statistics used in the trial of various criminal cases cannot be released without authorization.

Court leaders must examine cases dealing with national security, ethnic groups, religion, important emergencies and sensitive issues or involving foreigners and residents from Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao before they are exposed to media, he said.

Those offering "improper" news sources to media leading to a negative impact will receive severe punishment, he added.

Cao further stressed that media should not make predictions, comments or emit conclusive opinions related to ongoing cases ahead of due process.

The media should be responsible for ensuring the accuracy of facts, evidence and laws cited in their reports, he said.

Xiao Yang said intermediate people's courts and grass-roots courts should also establish the spokesman system providing they possess the conditions required to guide public opinions and ensure "the people's right to know."

(China Daily September 13, 2006)