A son in China expressed his outrage after his father’s killer celebrated with a banquet outside their home, marking the end of a 20-year prison sentence. - Photo: SCMP composite/Douyin
BEIJING: A convicted murderer in China ignited significant online outrage after celebrating his release from a 20-year prison sentence with a lavish banquet and firecrackers right outside the victim’s home.
This provocative act was brought to light through a series of videos on Douyin by the victim’s son, known online as “Kailiang Rensheng”, whose surname is Xiang. He hails from Mianyang, Sichuan province in southwestern China.
Xiang revealed that at the age of 15, he lost his father to a brutal murder orchestrated by three killers hired by their neighbour.
His father, just 39 and on the verge of starting his career, was murdered in his bedroom, and his body was set ablaze with petrol to destroy evidence.
Xiang never saw his father’s remains, as his family shielded him from the trauma. Following the murder, they also faced threats and surveillance from the killers.
In response to online speculation regarding his father’s involvement in unethical activities, Xiang clarified that the murder stemmed from a dispute among his father’s relatives and the mastermind behind the crime.
When his father intervened during the argument, the mastermind harboured a grudge that ultimately led to the murder.
Xiang further noted that of the four individuals involved, two were executed, while the mastermind and another received death sentences with reprieve.
Under China’s Criminal Law, a person sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve can have their sentence commuted to life imprisonment, and subsequently to a fixed term of 25 years if they demonstrate good behaviour and make significant contributions.
However, the minimum term for any reduction in sentence cannot be less than 20 years.
On November 14, upon learning of the murderer’s release after serving 20 years and the plans for a celebratory banquet, Xiang, who currently works in Shenzhen, rushed back to his hometown.
The following day, the convict hosted the extravagant event with 18 banquet tables set up in front of their home.
Online videos captured a car arriving at a rural courtyard, adorned with a red carpet, as guests walked in amid the sound of firecrackers, reminiscent of a festive celebration.
“If I had the chance, I’d like to talk to the killer. Not to vent my anger, but to understand why he made the choice that brought so much pain to two families. But on the day of his release, I was met with blatant provocation and overwhelming malice,” Xiang expressed in the video.
Despite pleas to stop the celebration, it continued until local police and government officials intervened.
A representative from Qingyi Town’s government confirmed that upon receiving Xiang’s report, local officials, police, and village leaders quickly intervened and conducted educational sessions with the convict and his family.
Both parties have since expressed a desire to avoid further conflict, according to Red Star News.
However, the blatant provocation has sparked public fury online.
One commenter remarked: “What was the point of 20 years in prison? If he received a reduced sentence, it was clearly a mistake.”
Another added: “A murderer like this shouldn’t have been released. Investigate that prison thoroughly.”
A third questioned: “Why were so many people at the banquet? What were they thinking?” - South China Morning Post
