Fabricated WeChat screenshots generate heated discussion online

Local police in Sichuan province said Friday night they detained a man, claiming he spread rumors by fabricating screenshots of WeChat records in which he complained about "non-voluntary overtime work", which has triggered heated public discussion on social media.

"Through preliminary investigation, the 26-year-old man surnamed Chen published false information on the internet," police in Deyang, Sichuan, said in a statement.

"He never worked in subordinate units or affiliated enterprises of The China Electronics Technology Group Corporation, but he was dissatisfied with the company, given he hadn’t received an offer by the company previously," the police said.

Police have alleged Chen used image-retouching software to fake a series of WeChat screenshots, which showed he spoke harshly to supervisors in a chat group.

Those screenshots went viral quickly, and a large number of internet users expressed their support of Chen and strong opposition to the non-paid overtime.

The police said Chen posted them on social media platforms, “sparking heated public discussion and causing bad influence”.

"Chen's illegal behavior deliberately spreading rumors seriously disturbed the internet public order," the police said, adding they had already detained him in accordance with law.