Reform strengthens rule of law

The quashing of a number of high-profile convictions last year highlighted the changes taking place in China's courts. Cao Yin reports.

Li Shuting could not hold back his tears on Dec 2, when a court of appeal overturned Nie Shubin's conviction for rape and murder, and proclaimed him innocent of all charges.

Li, who acted for Nie's family during the appeal process, had waited 11 years for the ruling, while the family had struggled for two decades, but Nie, who Li had come to regard as a younger brother, was unable to share their joy because the 21-year-old native of Hebei province was executed in April 1995.