CHINESE officials who meddle in judicial cases could now find their names in a newly created blacklist by the central authorities.

    China rolled out measures yesterday to record all officials who interfere in judicial cases and name violators publicly to hold them accountable in the latest effort to ensure judicial independence and transparency.

    According to new rules issued by the General Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the General Office of the State Council, judicial personnel should keep the whole process faithfully recorded no matter who is involved.

    Violations identified include interceding for the litigants, asking for personnel handling of cases to meet with the litigants or their defenders privately, or overstepping their authority to make prejudicial suggestions or directions on handling of cases by means of hearing reports, holding coordination meetings or issuing circulars.

    Officials who retaliate against judicial personnel involved in the recording or whose interference creates further problems or influences a case shall be given disciplinary penalties and even criminal penalties if their behaviors constitute crimes, according to the rules. Judicial personnel who fail to record the interference shall receive disciplinary punishment.(Xinhua)