1st Ld: China convicts 1,419 criminals of harming state security

Chinese courts convicted 1,419 criminals of harming state security, including taking part in terrorist attacks and secessionist activities, in 2015, Chief Justice Zhou Qiang said on Sunday.

Chinese courts concluded the trial of 1,084 cases involving crimes that threatened state security, Zhou told a plenary meeting of the ongoing session of the National People's Congress (NPC).

Last year, courts stepped up efforts against criminals who instigated secessionist activities; who led, organized and took part in terrorist groups; and who spread video and audio products about terrorism, he said.

Zhou pledged in the report that courts will well implement the laws on state security and counter-terrorism and severely punish terrorists and secessionists. Endi