BEIJING, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Individuals facing stiffish fines are now entitled to file for a public review hearing, according to a revised regulation published by China's Ministry of Public Security.

    The newly-revised regulation stipulates that individuals fined 2,000 yuan (about 250 US dollars) or above for general infringements or 6,000 yuan or above for violating regulations on entry and exit of the country can apply for hearings.

    Companies can also apply for hearings if they are fined 10,000 yuan or above, ordered to halt production or suspend business, or if their licenses are revoked.

    The police should inform those sentenced of their right to apply for a review hearing. Applications should be lodged within three days.

    The regulation instructs the police to decide whether to accept the cases in two days.

    The police should not aggravate punishments if people file such an application, the regulation reads.

    The hearings will be held publicly by police departments exceptfor cases relating to state or business secrets, or the privacy of individuals. Enditem