When threat to dignity can kill

An official was killed when asking for special service from a service maid. Regardless of how rude or offensive the official's conduct was, it can never justify the act of killing on the part of the maid. But public opinion appears to be more sympathetic to the maid, says an article in Chongqing Times. Excerpt:

It took place in the county of Badong, Hubei province in central China. A maid grappled with three local officials in a pedicure shop when the latter asked for special service. In the ensuing scuffle the maid struck out with her pedicure knife, stabbing one of the officials to death by accident. It was said when the maid refused their request, one official struck the maid on her head with a stack of cash. Whatever happened between them, public opinion showed unanimous sympathy for the maid. How can this be?

The case is still under investigation, but it is quite natural for anyone to believe that a 21-year-old service maid will not fight with three male officials for no reason. Apparently many would prefer to believe that the maid's self-respect was hurt to a degree beyond her tolerance.