China's Chief Justice Wang Shengjun yesterday asked local courts in the
quake-hit zone to impose a firm hand on crimes including corruption.
The court would impose severe punishment in line with laws on any corruption
and malpractice related to the Sichuan Province quake relief and rehabilitation
including misuse of relief funds and power, said Wang, president of the Supreme
People's Court of China.
Local courts should also be fully aware of the importance to help maintain
stability in quake-hit regions.
Top on the courts' agenda will be offenders who spread rumors, steal and
damage public utility facilities, such as electricity, transport and telecom,
counterfeit commodities and produce substandard foods and medicines as well as
those who distribute such goods. Also targeted are those who manipulate the
market, steal and rob properties, cheat in name of donating to quake victims and
damage relief facilities.
Wang also urged local courts to improve efficiency and promised to help them
rebuild facilities damaged in the May 12 quake.
