Trial should be open

The closed-door trial of Dong Feng, the notoriously corrupt former official in Xuzhou, infringes on the right of the public to see and know about it, says an article on the website www.zjol.com.cn. The following is an excerpt:

On Nov 28, Xuzhou Intermediate People's Court, Jiangsu province, held a court hearing on the case of Dong Feng, a corrupt former district Party chief, and his mistress, barring journalists from attending the trial.

Dong Feng, the notorious and polygamous former Party chief, is a typical example of corruption among officials. The in-depth analysis of Dong's slip into corruption may serve as a warning to other government officials. The court hearing is probably the best source of education for officials in general.