Protection to be boosted after judge shot dead

Chinese courts are to step up efforts to protect judicial officers after a Beijing judge was shot dead near her home last week.

Ma Caiyun, 38, a judge at Changping District People's Court, was shot in the face and stomach at about 9:30 pm on Friday in the capital's Huilongguan community.

She was confirmed dead shortly afterward at a hospital.

Ma's husband, Li Fusheng, a police officer at the same court, was injured in the shooting, according to a statement issued by Beijing police.

Two suspects shot themselves dead after they were cornered by police in a car in Yanqing district early on Saturday, the statement said.

One of the suspects, surnamed Li, was dissatisfied with property allocation in a divorce case verdict given by Ma, the statement said, adding that the investigation was continuing.

News of the judge's death went viral among judicial officials over the weekend. A judge who specializes in civil disputes at a court in Fujian province said, "I will now pay great attention to protecting my own privacy and that of my family."

Sun Jungong, spokesman for the Supreme Peoples Court — the top court — said on Monday, "We were shocked after hearing of Ma's death and strongly condemn such violent attacks on judges.

"We'll deal strictly with cases of personal or property damage involving judicial officials or their family members, and also introduce more effective protection for judges," Sun said.

Hu Shihao, director of the top court's judicial reform office, said at a news conference on Monday that a guideline on protecting judicial officers was expected to be issued this year.

Details of the protective measures would be disclosed promptly, Hu said.

"We’ll improve the system for handling false reports or false accusations involving judges, and blame those who intentionally make false allegations," Hu said.

"We will punish people who threaten, insult, stalk or disturb judges inside or outside of courtrooms, in line with the law."

Action that could result in harm to judges, including releasing their phone numbers and home addresses, should be prevented, while people who seriously disrupt case hearings would be heavily punished, he said.

Ma, who had handled nearly 400 cases annually since 2007, has been awarded the honor of "model judge".

In a related development, Xinhua News Agency reported on Monday that China will release a regulation on protecting judges and prosecutors, according to the Commission for Political and Legal Affairs of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

Those who seek revenge through slander, coercion or false testimony will be subject to punishments and charges.

caoyin@chinadaily.com.cn