Duo fined for damaging grassland at Xinjiang landmark

Authorities in Hami, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, have fined two individuals for damaging grassland at the landmark site bearing the phrase "Serve the People".

In 2024, the individuals, surnamed Zhang and Li, drove an off-road vehicle into a restricted area of the landmark without authorization and performed drifting maneuvers that caused substantial damage to the grassland. Their actions, which was posted online, sparked widespread public concern, according to a statement released by the Yizhou district forestry and grassland bureau on Thursday.

Zhang was fined 12,000 yuan ($1,683), while Li received a fine of 8,000 yuan. Both individuals accepted the penalties without dispute.