Rape victim, prosecutors appeal light sentence

Li Ruirui, the 20-year-old rape victim who was assaulted after being ushered into a hotel by officials of her hometown, has teamed with Beijing prosecutors to challenge a verdict handed down ten days ago against the rapist.

On Dec 11, the Fengtai district court in Beijing sentenced 26-year-old Xu Jian to eight years in prison and to pay Li a compensation of 2,300 yuan ($337) for the Aug 4 rape.

The Fengtai procuratorate is now appealing the verdict, demanding a heavier sentence and claiming that there was a "misuse of law" by the court in the judgment.