With the exception of cases involving national security, police authorities must now arrange a meeting with a lawyer for a suspect in custody within 48 hours of first being held, Beijing Public Security Bureau announced recently.

Previously, police authorities have not always given a clear response to lawyers' requests for a meeting with a suspect; with police officers usually treating such requests flexibly and depending on the circumstances of the case.

The newly issued regulations state that police on the spot are not allowed to interfere with the conversation held between lawyer and suspect; with the police authorities in charge of the case, and those holding the suspect, guaranteeing the regulated time for lawyer to meet the suspect.

The lawyer or law firm in which the lawyer works can appeal to a competent legal authority when the police office handling the case, or its holding section, violate this law or other relevant regulations. The responsible authority undertaking the appeal must reply within 10 days.

At present, a total number of 595 law firms are running businesses in Beijing, with over 7,700 lawyers in services.

(China.org.cn by Wang Zhiyong, March 31, 2003)