The notorious mass prostitution case relating to a group of Japanese tourists in September was adjudicated Wednesday, with two Chinese defendants sentenced to life imprisonment and another 12 sentenced to 2 to 15 years in prison for organizing prostitution or assisting the organization of prostitution.

The Zhuhai Intermediate People's Court made the verdict after its trial of first instance.

Chinese police has requested the Interpol to issue red notices targeting three Japanese citizens suspected of organizing the prostitution.

The three Japanese, namely Hirdbe Isao, Takahashi Shunji and Fukunaga Koji, were accused of organizing prostitution for over 200 Japanese tourists during their stay at a hotel in Zhuhai during Sept. 16 to 18, police sources said.

Chinese Foreign Ministry has made representations with the Japanese side, requesting assistance to the Chinese police for the capture of the three suspects.

(Xinhua News Agency December 17, 2003)