Four main culprits of a 60-member organized crime ring...

Four main culprits of a 60-member organized crime ring were executed in Shaoyang city, central-south China's Hunan Province.
The execution was ordered in a public trial for a final appeal by the Hunan Provincial Higher People's Court with the warranty from the Supreme People's Court, said local sources.
The four executed were Yao Zhihong, also known as Little Hongbao, who masterminded the ring, He Jianbiao, Li Zhibing and Zhou Limin.
The men were convicted of crimes ranging from organizing, leading and joining the organization, to organizing prostitution or aiding murder and assault.
Three other members on the group were also given death sentences but with reprieves. The remaining 53 members were sentenced to jail terms ranging from one year to life.
The first trial was held on December 3, 2003 and, afterwards, 36 criminals members of the group, including Yao, appealed to the higher court. The verdict of the first court was upheld.