Petitioners in Shenzhen could face punishment

SHENZHEN: People who petition the government in this southern city could end up in labor camps if they don't follow correct procedures.

The city on Wednesday listed 14 "abnormalities" that could lead to punishment for anyone complaining to the government.

It includes petitions or protests staged in sensitive areas, carrying banners, slogans, distributing petition materials or holding sit-ins, or actions that threaten the safety of public servants and their families.

"Some people are unwilling to report their problems through normal channels and take a wrong attitude to solving problems by exerting pressure on the Party and government," the rule makers explained.

"If we don't take measures to rectify the problem, it will eventually affect social stability."

However, the new rule, effective immediately, has received widespread criticism online, where people saw it as the government wanting people to "shut up".

"Why not just ban petitions? You (the officials) should come to understand people's complaints and pains," said a netizen named "Smiling face looking on society".

Yu Jianrong, a professor at the rural development of institute of China Academy of Social Sciences, said Shenzhen has crossed the line.

"The national law on petitions identified six types of "abnormal protests", which have been extended to 14 in the Shenzhen rule that is overstepping the national law," said Yu, who has studied China's petition system for decades.

He Bing, an administrative law professor with China University of Political Science and Law, argued the punishments are inappropriate.

"Actually, labor camp is a controversial penalty in China. As a special economic zone, it's not appropriate to adopt such a punishment," he said.

Under the rule, "abnormal" offenders are given a verbal warning. Those making a third "abnormal" complaint would be detained and anyone continuing after release would be sent to a labor camp for up to three years.

Source:China Daily