Mark Allison

These detentions and other abuses seriously undermine claims by the authorities to 'respect and protect human rights', a new provision read more

These detentions and other abuses seriously undermine claims by the authorities to 'respect and protect human rights', a new provision introduced into the Chinese Constitution in March 2004.

We welcome moves towards reforms such as these, but it remains to be seen whether they will lead to better read more

We welcome moves towards reforms such as these, but it remains to be seen whether they will lead to better quality trials and a significant reduction in the number of people sentenced to death. Whatever their impact, they must not be seen as a substitute for more wide-ranging reforms aimed at the complete abolition of the death penalty in China.