(Beijing) — The ruling Communist Party of China has ordered judges to follow due process and not confiscate private assets of investors when prosecuting a company for alleged illegal activities.

The party's Central Leading Group for Overall Reform, headed by Party Secretary Xi Jinping, released a document on Sept. 2 that aims to protect the interests of private firms and investors who face trial for fraud, flouting work safety or environmental rules, or are charged with other forms of illegal business dealings.