Society

Police on trial for allegedly shooting brawlers

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-09-17 21:35

GUIYANG - A policeman who allegedly shot dead two men who were involved in a family fracas went on trial in Southwest China's Guizhou province on Friday charged with intentional killing.

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Zhang Lei, deputy director of Pogong police station in Guanling Buyi and Miao Autonomous County, was informed of a fight at 4:20 pm January 12 and went to the scene, Zunyi Intermediate People's Court heard.

According to the indictment, the shootings could not be justified on the grounds of self-protection or the protection of others, said a court spokesman.

Zhang was assaulted while allegedly trying to break up a fight between cousins Guo Yongzhi, 36, and Guo Yonghua, 44, according to the indictment. The shooting started when someone attempted to snatch Zhang's gun.

The trial has been adjourned to a later date.