deathA month or two ago I mentioned that capital punishment cases were running rampant in China, with several cases of innocent people being killed hitting the news. In an effort to monitor capital punishment cases, the Chinese government opened these cases to the public. Now, yet another step has been taken to assure accountability in those involved in the cases. All first appeals of capital punishment sentences will be videotaped. So even if no one goes to these public trials, those interested can still review trials after the fact.
Its most likely that the reason the government is having these appeals videotaped is to appease groups like Amnesty international who determinedly oppose capital punishment. So the government throws them a bone.
But it's a bit funnier if you look at it like this: the government opened the trials to the public and… no one went. No one cared. One less mouth to feed, eh? So, in frustration, the government threatens judges and lawyers, “Even if no one cares at the moment, someone might watch you! So you better behave!” Almost feels like parents telling their kids Santa is watching so you better not cry.
