A final hearing at Beijing's No. 1 Intermediate People's Court last week upheld the decision that had been made by a local court on rock singer Dou Wei's rampage in the Beijing News office two years ago.

On May 10, 2006, Dou, angered at reports by the Beijing-based newspaper, broke into its office twice, demolished some facilities and set fire to a car parked in front of the building.

A local court convicted Dou of vandalizing other's property. As the offense was minor and he gave himself up to the police, the singer was granted immunity from criminal punishments but was ruled to make compensation of about 7,000 yuan (US$985).

Dou appealed to a higher court after the judgment was pronounced, arguing over the fees he must pay.

(CRI March 13, 2008)