Three Robbers Sentenced to DeathThree criminals who robbed foreigners were sentenced to death Wednesday in southwest China's Yunnan Province.Li Guang and Mu Jiangqiao robbed a diplomat of the Consulate of the United States based in Shanghai, who was touring Lijiang City with his two children on August 13, 2000. Li threatened the victims with a knife and robbed them of 400 yuan, a camera, and a watch. Zhang Yunsong and five accomplices robbed two Dutch tourists in Lijiang on July 19, 2000. They looted 400 yuan and US$30. The three were sentenced to death penalty with deprivation of political right for life. According to the verdict of the Lijiang Intermediate People's Court, Li Guang confessed four robberies in the May-August period last year. Zhang Yunsong and Mu Jiangqiao were involved in six cases of robbery during the same period. Nine of their accomplices were sentenced to different terms of imprisonment. Zhao Qin, president of the court, said that similar crimes and criminals will be punished without leniency in order to maintain the peace and harmony of the ancient town of Lijiang. Lijiang, known for its unique ethnic culture, ancient music and architecture, was listed on the World Heritage List by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1998. |
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