Illegally obtained evidence defined

The Supreme People's Court has announced a new regulation taking effect on the exclusion of illegally obtained evidence in criminal cases, banning confessions made under torture or duress.

The regulation, which took effect on Tuesday, specifies the conditions under which evidence must be excluded in court trials to prevent wrongful convictions and safeguard human rights.

Under the regulation, it is illegal for police or prosecutors to extort confessions through torture, threat or subterfuge. Forced self-incrimination is also prohibited.