Deng Yujiao Case Update

And an update on a story we’ve been covering. A hearing was held earlier today for Deng Yujiao, who’s accused of killing local Chinese Communist Party officials after he allegedly made sexual advances towards Deng. People from around the world are calling on the trial to be fair and open. Here’s more on the story.

Badong County court is charging Deng Yujiao with intentional injury… a sentence far less serious than murder. It could lead to a more lenient sentence, reduced term, or even allow her to escape punishment under Chinese criminal law. But one legal expert says there’s no guarantee what Deng’s future may be.

[Guo Lianhui, Attorney]:
“Why do we say this? The fundamental reason for this is that justice cannot be independent in China. It must be based on upper class. We must obey the will of the upper. That is what people often hear, ‘In politics, it must maintain a high degree of consensus with the Party Central Committee.’ Under the Chinese political environment, can you say Badong County court could independently handle the case? Wouldn’t it come up with the indictment that is against facts, against the law?”

At first, Badong County was charging Deng with manslaughter. But outrage over the case’s handling by people overseas may have led to a more lenient sentence.

31 well-known Mainland scholars and grass-roots activists wrote an open letter addressed to the Communist Party’s Supreme Court asking for an open and fair trial for Deng Yujiao’s case.

Foreign lawyers also formed a „Deng Yujiao overseas attorney supporting team“ and have raised funds to go to China to defend her.

But there are those who think authorities are trying to appease the public without investigating the case through and through.

“This is to protect the sexually perverted officials in the system. But due to the high attention at home and abroad, and condemnation to the injustice of China’s judicial system, they dare not to use ‘intentional homicide’ to the sentence Deng Yujiao. Then have no choice but to prosecute Deng Yujiao using ‘intentional injury.’“

We will continue to monitor this story and will bring you the latest details with Deng’s trial as they become available.

(NTDTV)