Govt obligated to compensate for anguish caused by power abuse

THE FAMILY OF NIE SHUBIN asked for a State compensation of 13.91 million yuan ($2 million) on Wednesday, of which 12 million is for mental anguish and emotional distress. Nie was executed in 1995 after Hebei provincial high people's court found him guilty of rape and murder. On Dec 2, a new decision by the Supreme People's Court cleared Nie of any crime. Beijing News comments:

Should there be compensation for mental suffering as a result of a miscarriage of justice?

Before 1986, the law only stipulated compensation for damage to property, harm to physical well-being, and loss of personal liberty. There was no mention of mental pain and suffering.