Chapter 17: Efficient Revolutionary Committee Director, Death Penalty

The Revolutionary Committee director was reviewing the photos when Yang Zhaodi arrived with evidence and a crowd of indignant citizens.  He immediately understood the gravity of the situation and the need for swift action to prevent further damage to the party’s image.  “This is outrageous!  There are such shameless people in our district! Let’s deal with this today!”  He took charge, efficiently calming the crowd before heading to the police station, followed by a large and growing throng of onlookers.  The director, basking in the trust of the citizens, felt a surge of responsibility.

Mumu, blending into the crowd, watched the director find the police station chief.  The director angrily addressed the chief. “What about the three arrested yesterday and the group this morning? Where are they?  Maybe we should handle this at the Revolutionary Committee. It’s outrageous! The impact is terrible! We must severely punish them, give the victim justice, and set an example to deter future incidents.  The mid-year assessment is coming up; we can’t let this affect our district’s chances of being recognized as advanced.”  He whispered the last sentence to the chief.

“They’re still here. Don’t worry, Chief; this is easy,” the chief responded, summoning Officer Liu to brief the director.  The director learned that the evidence was overwhelming: eyewitness testimony, physical evidence, a confession, and five written confessions.  The case was closed. This was far better than the usual single-report cases, providing a significant achievement for his record.  This could be broken down into several achievements in his report, and he could use it for warnings, speeches, and documents, further boosting his record.  The director was thrilled.  He and the chief made a decision, and the director announced to the crowd, “Everyone, quiet down.”

The chief announced, “The case of Yang Zhong, Li Xiuhua, and the other six is serious and has a significant impact. The evidence is conclusive. To make an example, and to serve as a deterrent, they will all be sentenced to death.”

The director added, “The Revolutionary Committee and the police station will work together. We will parade the eight criminals, publicly announcing their crimes. The execution will be at 3 PM today at the East Parade Ground.  All citizens are invited to witness the execution.  We will send out a notice to all factories to send representatives. Let this serve as a warning. We will build a harmonious and stable society and bring glory to the nation!”

“Glory to the nation!” the crowd chanted.  Mumu, among them, cried with the rest.  The director signaled for quiet. “Everyone, disperse.  Tell your family and friends to watch the parade.”

The excited crowd spread the news, gathering more people outside the police station. Many carried photos, ready to taunt and humiliate the criminals; some even collected stones. Mumu joined them, determined to collect the most stones.

Soon, there was movement inside the station. “They’re coming out!” someone shouted.

Mumu held her stones, looking up as eight people, bound and gagged, were brought out, each with a sign hanging from their front and back. Officer Liu, standing high, publicly announced their crimes.  Someone shouted, “Monsters!”

The crowd erupted in anger and insults.  Those with photos began taunting.  Mumu threw stones at the eight criminals, drawing their attention and ensuring they saw her thriving while they faced their demise.  Yang Zhong and the others, enraged, struggled furiously.  Their anger fueled the crowd’s fury.

“They’re unrepentant! Let’s eliminate harm for the people!”  Mumu shouted, throwing more stones, inciting the crowd.  People threw mud and stones. The criminals were injured, but the crowd’s fervor intensified.

The officers pretended not to see, and even the director was pleased.  Once the crowd’s anger subsided, long ropes were tied to the criminals, attached to a truck with armed officers. The truck started, dragging the criminals through the streets.