(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-06-20 23:46

LHASA - Courts in the Tibet Autonomous Region in southwest China handed down punishments on Thursday and Friday to 12 people who had been involved in the Lhasa riot in March, Palma Trily, executive vice chairman of Tibet, said Friday.

Forty-two people had received criminal punishments from courts for their actions in the riot, and the punishments for 29 of the convicts have gone effective, Palma Trily told a press conference.

The 42 people were convicted of arson, robbery, the crime of gathering to assault state organs, and other crimes.

Another 116 people in custody were waiting for trials, he said.

Previously, the Intermediate People's Court in Lhasa handed down punishments to 30 people on April 29.

1,157 Freed

Tibet has released 1,157 people involved in the March Lhasa riot, who were charged with minor offences, said Palma Trily.

Tibet police detained and arrested 953 people after the riot, while 362 others surrendered to police, he said.

The Tibet courts have so far handed down punishments to 42 people, convicting them of arson, robbery, the crime of gathering to assault state organs, and other crimes. Another 116 in custody were awaiting trial.

Defendants from minority ethnic groups were provided with interpreters at court sessions, which ensured their rights, Palma Trily said.

He said judicial authorities followed the policy of combining punishment with leniency in handling the cases, which means leniency for those with minor offences.