A decision by the Chuzhou Chorography Office in Anhui Province to include criminals in its chorographic records, Wandong People, has caused uproar, according to a Xin'an Evening News report. However, legal experts say that the move is not in violation of any law.

 

Zhang, a Chuzhou resident, is one of the many who are against the inclusion of criminals in the city's chorographic records. His wife was found guilty of embezzlement and ordered to make restitution. Zhang said that adding his wife's name to the records would not enable him to carry on with a normal life. He added: "Once she is included in the records, not only my son and I will have to go into hiding, but his offspring as well!"

 

Liu, a government servant, believes that because the chorography serves as a point of reference and inspiration for later generations by listing achievements and contributions to society, criminals should not be included: "It is not right to directly list the criminals in the chorography. It will influence our descendents, especially juveniles."

 

Meanwhile, a netizen, known by the username "Seafish", applauded the move by saying that it serves as a deterrent.

 

From a legal standpoint, a lawyer surnamed Gong from Wanjiang Law Office in Chuzhou said that the decision is aboveboard. Gong explained that people who have been identified as criminals by law should expect some deprivation or restriction of their rights. Gong added that the chorography office made its decision based on the need to accurately record local civilization and history, and is in the public interest.

 

(China.org.cn by Li Xiaohua, March 8, 2007)