Commuted prison sentences need justifying

Zhang Erjiang on trial in 2002.[Photo/xinhuanet.com]

In July 2002, Zhang Erjiang, former Party chief of Tianmen, Hubei province, was sentenced to 18 years in prison for corruption. However, media outlets found that he had already been set free in 2010, having served less than half his sentence. The prison responded that Zhang was released early because of his good behavior. Comments:

Zhang's case might be justified, but being released early has become something of a privilege for corrupt officials sentenced to prison and that's why the case received so much media attention. If officials do not get penalty that fits their crimes, prison sentences will no longer act as a deterrent. The judiciary needs to be more transparent, and make any decision to reduce periods of incarceration open to the public, so that any corruption involved in commuting prison terms can be rooted out.

rednet.cn, June 2

Zhang had served only nine years despite being sentenced to 18 years in prison. The prison said this was legal, but considering corrupt officials always get reduced prison terms, the media outlets are justified in continuing to investigate the stories behind the reduced sentences and requiring the prison authorities to explain any early releases. Only sunshine will allow the dark corners to be cleaned.

Beijing News, June 2

Zhang was said to have published four books in prison, which was the good behavior that helped him get out early. There is no evidence that he cheated in the process, but that will inspire more corrupt officials to follow his example by writing or hiring somebody to write books.

Zheng Zaisuo, a Beijing-based lawyer, June 1