Foreign Defendant Accused of Kidnapping, Court Holds Open Trial

Source: OT-Team(G),湖北省武穴市人民法院

  According to the People's Court of Wuxue City, Hubei Province on November 4, the Criminal Trial Division of Wuxue Court recently conducted a fair and open trial for a criminal case involving a foreign defendant accused of kidnapping. 

  The trial was presided over by the court's Criminal Trial Division, which ensured full legal procedures were followed throughout the process. In accordance with relevant provisions of China's Criminal Procedure Law, the court appointed a professional translator for the foreign defendant and provided legal aid to ensure a fair trial. This was done to guarantee the defendant's right to a proper defense and to uphold the principles of justice and transparency in the courtroom.
  • Case Overview
  The prosecution alleged that in 2023, defendants He (a Chinese national) and Nguyen (a Vietnamese national, being tried in a separate case) operated as intermediaries, arranging marriages between single Chinese men and Vietnamese women for a fee. However, in the latter half of 2023, several women introduced by He ran away from their husbands. He subsequently paid tens of thousands of yuan in compensation to the men's families. 
  In March and April 2024, He sought to recoup his losses by recruiting three Vietnamese women, bringing them to Huanggang City, where he used violence to control their freedom and extort money from their families. Defendants Cheng (a Chinese national) and Shi (a Vietnamese national) assisted He in the kidnapping, despite knowing that He was holding the women hostage for ransom. 
  The three defendants were charged under Article 239, Paragraph 1 of the Criminal Law of the People's Republic of China, which addresses kidnapping. They face criminal responsibility for their involvement in the kidnapping scheme.
  • Court Proceedings
  During the trial, the court strictly adhered to legal procedures, managing the courtroom process with care and allowing ample time for the translator to communicate with the defendant. This ensured that the foreign defendant fully understood the proceedings and had the opportunity to present a defense. The entire trial process was conducted with seriousness and order.
  The court has scheduled a future date for the verdict to be announced.
  • Message from the Judge
  The Wuxue People's Court remains committed to serving the public with fairness, transparency, and justice. The judge emphasized the importance of legal awareness, urging both foreign nationals in China and the general public to respect Chinese law and contribute to maintaining social harmony and stability.
  This case highlights the court's dedication to ensuring that every defendant receives proper legal protection, regardless of their nationality. The judge called for increased legal consciousness among foreign nationals in China to prevent similar incidents and safeguard public order.





















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