Attack prompts fresh approach by officials

"Thanks to the efforts of several lawyers associations and judicial officers, I avoided threats to my personal safety, and my case was handled quickly," said Gu Qingdong, a lawyer in Beijing.

According to the All China Lawyers Association, Gu and a colleague, Wang Zhiwei, were assaulted by about 20 men this month as they returned to their hotel during a case at Hubei Provincial Intermediate People's Court in Jinmen city.

Gu sustained head injuries as he was beaten and knocked to the ground. The two lawyers were then threatened with shovels before being bundled into a car where they were smothered with sheets and bags.

"The men told us to stop representing the defendant and threatened to bury us alive," Wang said.

Gu's cries for help prompted police officers, court bailiffs and passers-by to rush to the lawyers' aid, at which point the men ran away. Gu and Wang were then taken to a hospital for assessment and treatment.

A police investigation later discovered that the assailants had been hired by members of the prosecution team.

Wang immediately reported the incident to the Ministry of Justice and the All China Lawyers Association.

He also notified the Beijing Lawyers Association, which contacted the Hubei Provincial Lawyers Association to arrange an investigation.

Zhang Jun, minister of justice, ordered the Public Security Bureau to investigate the incident and also supported the efforts of the All China Lawyers Association to ensure that lawyers' rights are protected.

The Hubei Lawyers Association held a meeting with the Hubei Justice Department to discuss the case, and immediately made arrangements to deal with it.

So far, 13 people have been detained by police and the case is ongoing.

Gu's condition is stable, but he is still receiving treatment for head injuries.

The All China Lawyers Association and its local branches have established two centers - one to protect lawyers' rights and one to hear complaints filed by legal professionals.

The association and its local branches have also set up a cooperation mechanism with the judicial authorities to tackle infringements of lawyers' rights.

"I really appreciate the rapid response to my case," Gu said. "Now the joint mechanism is in place, lawyers have a channel through which their cases can be heard and they can receive feedback. As a result, I feel more confident about offering legal services to people in need."

(China Daily 12/14/2017 page6)