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
Cop-Killer in China Inspires Strong Public Support
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)

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.” (More China stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X