China sentences three to death in tainted milk scandal

Zhang Yujun, who was accused of producing and selling melamine-laced "protein powder" was convicted of endangering public security and handed a death sentence, while Geng Jinping was convicted of producing and selling toxic food, the official Xinhua news agency reported.

The Shijiayhuang Intermediate People's Court also sentenced Tian Wenhu, the former chief manager of Sanlu Group, a dairy producer chiefly involved in the scandal, to life in prison. She was convicted of manufacturing and selling fake or substandard goods.

 Sanlu was fined about 50 million yuan (7.3 million dollars) for its involvement in the scandal, Tian was fined an additional 20 million yuan. 

   Two others of the altogether 21 defendants were also handed life sentences, while nine of the defendants are to be sentenced by other courts. 

   The main defendants were accused of production and sale of milk spiked with the industrial chemical melamine to artificially boost protein levels. 

   One of the death sentences was suspended for two years and can then be converted into a life sentence. The court handed down 12 verdicts on Thursday, including the two death sentences, three life sentences and six sentences ranging from five years to 15 years to the other defendants. Thirty-nine other accused are still awaiting their trial.