Detention centers get special guidelines

China's Ministry of Public Security has issued guidelines on the management and education of offenders in detention centers, amid its effort to better protect detainees' lawful rights and reduce repeat offences.

The guidelines, issued on Monday, bans law enforcement personnel from seizing or confiscating detainees' property and protects detainees against insult, corporal punishment or maltreatment. Their right to call and meet friends or relatives was also ensured.

Zhao Chunguang, director of the prison administration bureau under the ministry, said Thursday that by issuing the guidelines the ministry is promoting a safe and civilized detention center management system that places equal emphasis on punishment and education.