BBC News
15 October 2009 10:29 UK

A Chinese court has sentenced a further six people to death over ethnic unrest in the far-western region of Xinjiang in July, state-run media report.  Nearly 200 people were killed during riots between ethnic Uighurs and members of China’s dominant Han group.  The six were among 21 people who have been tried this week on charges including murder, robbery and arson.  Twelve people have been sentenced to death over the riots while another nine got life sentences or lesser terms.

The six were sentenced to death at a court in Urumqi, the regional capital of Xinjiang, Xinhua news agency said.  Three of the sentences were suspended for two years, meaning they could be later commuted to life sentences.

Another three life sentences were handed down while five other people received lesser sentences, Xinhua said.   more …