2 Accused Muslim Separatists Executed

China has executed two accused Muslim separatists in the far western region of Xinjiang, a state newspaper reported. The report comes as Beijing asks for greater understanding for its fight against alleged terrorists after the Sept. 11 attacks in the U.S.

Three other men were given suspended death sentences--usually commuted to life in prison after two years--and several others given prison terms ranging from five years to life, the Yili Evening News reported. It did not name the men, all of whom had been sentenced for the crime of “splitting the nation.”