3: Military singer's son involved in a rape case

(Photo/China.org.cn)

A case involving a gang rape attracted much attention in 2013 when it was revealed that one of the rapists was the son of a famous military singer.

Li Tianyi was sentenced to 10 years in prison for his involvement in the assault and rape of a woman at a Beijing hotel in February. Li reportedly was the only one of five defendants who pled not guilty.

Li is the son of famous Chinese army singing couple 74-year-old Li Shuangjiang, and his wife Meng Ge. Through mother Meng's efforts, the real story behind the case has been somehow lost in myth by now. She and her lawyers sold various versions of stories to the media, such as those of the victim being a prostitute and that Li was talking to her on phone when his acquaintances were raping the girl. She even organized an expert team and reported to the court there were no traces of her son’s semen found on the girl's underwear and it was a matter of extortion. Nevertheless, all her efforts failed. The court examined the evidence and upheld the verdict.

Li and his parents' actions have fueled heated discussions regarding the social morality, privilege and the rule of law for the Chinese elite in 2013.
【1】 【2】 【3】 【4】 【5】 【6】 【7】 【8】 【9】 【10】