` For one , it only speaks to the courts , while it 's the police , a much more powerful institution than China 's weak courts , that does the torturing , '' he said . A Chinese court has banned the use of torture to extract confessions , say state - run prosecutors . Activities like hunger , fatigue and extreme heat are reportedly prohibited . Rights groups see the move as an encouraging step but not yet a sign of real reform .
A Chinese court has banned the use of torture to extract confessions , say state - run prosecutors . Activities like hunger , fatigue and extreme heat are reportedly prohibited . Rights groups see the move as an encouraging step but not yet a sign of real reform .