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No one is above the law

(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-07-23 07:29

A local court in Beijing deserves an applause for differentiating privilege from specialty in enforcing the law, says an article in Xinhua net. The following is an excerpt:

The Beijing Dongcheng District People's Court recently sent a 100,000 yuan ($14,641) fine ticket to the Diaoyutai State Guest House after guards of the latter had stopped the court officials from exercising their duty.

This prestigious hotel, in some people's perception, might be above the law. Frankly, the guest house has more or less been veiled with mystery as it serves as a regular reception place for foreign leaders and dignitaries. And for security reasons, its entrance check is thorough and very strict. But that should not be an excuse to stop court staff from entering and exercising their duties.

It may be a surprise for some that a fine can be imposed on such an important establishment. That is why we applaud the courage of the court for sending such a notice of fine. It embodies the sense of constitutional equality and the progress in our pursuit of rule by law.

Legislation is important, and equally important is to implement laws to the letter. So the judicial department should have the determination to fulfill their duties regardless of the subject's social status.

(China Daily 07/23/2008 page8)