Beijing, Dec 27 (IANS): China has reiterated its ban on forced self-incrimination in police investigations in a revised regulation on the handling of criminal cases.

The revised regulation, released Wednesday by the Ministry of Public Security, is aimed at helping courts adapt to the newly amended Criminal Procedure Law, which stresses "respecting and protecting human rights", reported Xinhua.

The regulation features a provision that bans coerced confessions and torture in its general principle chapter, as well as clarifying the range of activities that may be recorded or videotaped to boost real-time investigation monitoring.

It further clarifies the rights of suspects who are in detention, such as their right to have contact with lawyers, inform family members of forced measures and receive food.

A substantial number of rules related to lawyers' engagement in criminal proceedings, evidence usage and investigative measures were modified.

The revised regulation will take effect Jan 1, 2013, along with the amended Criminal Procedural Law.