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Cop-Killer in China Inspires Strong Public Support

Many applaud man for taking on abusive arm of state; he confessed, will be executed

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 14, 2008 10:32 AM CST
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(Newser) – Public sentiment in China seems to be coming down squarely on the side of a man convicted of entering a Shanghai police station and stabbing six officers to death, the Washington Post reports. Yang Jia, who confessed to the murders, had twice claimed to be the victim of police brutality; now countrymen fed up with abusive state security services are protesting his death sentence.

Crowds have gathered at Yang's appeals, and thousands signed an online petition to spare his life. Despite the brutality of the crimes, and Yang's confession, many Chinese see the 28-year-old as something of a hero. His attorney explains, “They feel that if someone stands up to the police, he or she is fighting for justice on their behalf.”

Policemen stand in the grounds of the Shanghai Higher People's Court after the appeal of man convicted of killing six policemen ended Oct. 20, 2008.
Policemen stand in the grounds of the Shanghai Higher People's Court after the appeal of man convicted of killing six policemen ended Oct. 20, 2008.   (AP Photo)
A woman applauds as Yang Jia is driven out of the Shanghai Higher People's Court after losing his appeal, in Shanghai, China Monday Oct. 20, 2008.
A woman applauds as Yang Jia is driven out of the Shanghai Higher People's Court after losing his appeal, in Shanghai, China Monday Oct. 20, 2008.   (AP Photo)
Policemen keep watch over a crowd outside Shanghai's Higher People's Court as dozens of Chinese gather while Yang Jia appeals his death sentence for killing six policemen in a stabbing spree in July.
Policemen keep watch over a crowd outside Shanghai's Higher People's Court as dozens of Chinese gather while Yang Jia appeals his death sentence for killing six policemen in a stabbing spree in July.   (AP Photo)
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This is not about an individual case. ... The government believes that rule is reinforced by retribution, but citizens increasingly detest power being exerted capriciously. - Russell Leigh Moses, political analyst

Yang Jia's case is about whether we can live safely in China. To support Yang Jia is to support ourselves in the future. - Yang Peihua, a businesswoman who followed the trial

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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
Guest
Nov 15, 2008 6:45 AM CST
Too bad Americans dont have this same kind of cohesiveness.

Appeals court upholds verdict
China Daily

Yang's mother put in a mental home
Associated Press

On government and online petitions
Economist

 
China • crime • murder • cop killer • police brutality • Chinese judiciary • Yang Jia

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