Teen trial switch to protect legal rights

Juvenile suspects to be separated from adult co-defendents

Juvenile suspects in criminal court cases will from this year be tried separately from adult co-defendants as part of ongoing efforts by Beijing authorities to protect the rights of young offenders.

The switch is aimed at preventing minors from being intimidated by older accomplices and allowing them a more relaxed environment to make their case, said Ci Qiang, president of Beijing Higher Court.