The drains have backed up again

Do as we say, not as we do!

There is a programme on Henan Legal Channel—one of the Chinese state-run TV channels—entitled Interviews Before Execution, in which Ding Yu interviews prisoners before they're executed. Contrary to being exploitative, the programme makers claim to find cases that will serve as a warning to others. Indeed, the programme calls for human nature to awaken and perceive the value of life.

The programme only interviews prisoners accused of violent murder. But given that 55 crimes carry the death penalty in China, including bribery and smuggling, and that similarly trivial crimes such as sales tax fraud were only recently delisted, perhaps the Chinese authorities should heed their own propaganda and perceive the value of life.

Oh no, wait a minute…this is the Chinese government. Silly me!