Execution news flies via text messages

URUMQI: Residents in the capital of the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region were informed yesterday via text messages about the recent execution of nine men for their roles in the deadly July 5 riots and the prosecution of alleged riot suspects.

The messages were sent by the region's information office following a statement about the latest prosecutions and executions by the Urumqi procuratorate late Monday.

Twenty more suspects charged with murder, arson, robbery, intentional injury and causing explosions have been prosecuted for their alleged connection with the riots that left 197 dead and more than 1,700 injured.