Two sentenced to death for role in China milk scandal

Shijizhuang (China), Jan.22 (ANI): Two men were sentenced to death Thursday by a local court for their role in last year's China tainted milk scandal.

Zhang Yujun, who produced and sold melamine-laced "protein powder" in the China tainted milk scandal, was convicted of endangering public security and given capital punishment by the Shijiazhuang Intermediate People's Court, while Geng Jinping was convicted of producing and selling toxic food.

According to Xinhua, the court had announced it would sentence 21 defendants implicated in the scandal Thursday afternoon. However, it said shortly before the court opened that nine of them would be sentenced at other courts.

Among the 12 people who were convicted Thursday afternoon, two were given death penalty, one with suspended death, three jailed for life and the other six jailed between five years and 15 years.

The Ministry of Health said it was likely the tainted milk scandal with Sanlu Group at its center killed at least six babies. Another 296,000 infants suffered kidney stones and other urinary problems. (ANI)