Zhang Jun, vice president of the Supreme People's Court, answers questions during a press conference on "judicial justice" in Beijing, capital of China, March 15, 2008. (Xinhua Photo)

BEIJING, March 15, 2008 -- Chinese citizens are protected by the Constitution to have the freedom of speech, said Zhang Jun, vice president of the Supreme People's Court, here on Saturday.

Zhang made the remarks when answering a question raised by a U.S. journalist at a press conference on the sidelines of the ongoing parliament session.

The U.S. journalist also asked if Tibetan people would be charged for describing the Lhasa riot to foreign media and criticizing the Olympic Games.

"It is out of question that citizens have the rights to express their ideas under the legal system, which includes suggestions to and criticisms on the government. The rights are protected by law and Constitution," Zhang said.

Senior officials of the Supreme People's Court and the Supreme People's Procuratorate meet the press in Beijing, capital of China, March 15, 2008. (Xinhua Photo)

It is all right for people to criticize the preparations for the Olympic Games or express their complaints, he added.

However, Zhang said, "Freedom of speech does not mean you won't face punishment for slandering and insulting other people."

The situation in Lhasa, capital city of the Tibet Autonomous Region in southwest China, is calm on Saturday, after Friday's riot which saw 10 people killed, shops robbed and vehicles burnt.