Kunming terrorist attack suspects on trial

Four people suspected of a terrorist attack at a railway station in Kunming early this year went on trial on Friday in southwest China's Yunnan Province.

The Kunming Municipal Intermediate People's Court has opened a public trial, Xinhua learned from the Supreme People's Court.

On March 1, a group of assailants armed with knives attacked civilians at the station in the provincial capital, causing 31 deaths and injuring another 141. Police shot dead four of the attackers and detained the four who are now on trial.

The Kunming Municipal People's Procuratorate found that the suspects were involved in organizing, leading or taking part in the attack as well as intentional homicide.

Prosecutors accuse Iskandar Ehet, Turgun Tohtunyaz and Hasayn Muhammad of organizing, leading a terrorist organization and intentional homicide.

Patigul Tohti is accused of taking part in the attack as well as intentional homicide.

Lawmakers, political advisors and some victims and their relatives are among more than 300 members of the public present at the ongoing trial.

The Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP) said on Thursday that prosecutors should fast-track cases involving terrorists, religious extremists and manufacturers of firearms and explosives.

Counter-terrorism is to be a priority for prosecutors as part of tough measures against the "three evil forces" -- terrorism, separatism and extremism, according to a SPP statement.

It also emphasized that these cases must be handled without discrimination and under the principle of tempering justice with mercy.