Photo of naked sex worker attacked by Zhengzhou police sparks anger
- Source: Global Times
- [15:14 November 05 2009]
- Comments
Several photos and a video clip that were published widely online by media have sparked criticism of excessive force by police on the Internet recently.
One of the photos (above) shows a plainclothes policeman forcefully pulling the hair of a naked female prostitute during overnight raids on anti-pornography and gambling dens on October 28 in Zhengzhou, capital of Henan Province.
Internet users query whether the police are entitled to treat suspected prostitutes violently and allow photographers to take photos on the scene. Some web users have even begun trying to find out the identity of the bald cop through the so-called "human-flesh search engine", or having someone acquainted with the person disclose his identity online.
The Bureau of Public Security of Zhengzhou would not comment on the matter, but has held a meeting on the issue to decide how to resolve it.
"You cannot insult a suspect's dignity because he or she broke the law," said Wang Lei, a law professor at Peking University. "Law enforcement units should protect suspects' privacy while allowing media reports."
Wu Changzheng, a professor in China University of Political Science and Law, said that the alleged prostitute should file an administrative lawsuit against the police for severe violations of her human rights and ask for an apology or damages.
