New rule to help lawyers assert rights

Protections cover meetings with their clients, viewing of court records, gathering evidence

Several national authorities jointly issued a rule on Sunday designed to ensure that lawyers are not impeded in their practices. It also prohibits public statements designed to manipulate public opinion or pressure law enforcement.

The rule - announced by the Supreme People's Court, the Supreme People's Procuratorate, the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of State Security and the Ministry of Justice - says that law enforcement authorities should fully guarantee lawyers' rights, including the right to get information, the right to petition and other professional rights.