Brother turns himself in China toll evasion case
By IANSSunday, January 16, 2011
BEIJING - The toll evasion case in China’s Henan province that triggered a massive public outcry over the heavy punishment has taken a turn as the brother of a farmer sentenced to life in prison has turned himself in, saying he is the one responsible.
According to China Daily, Shi Junfeng, younger brother of sentenced Shi Jianfeng, turned himself in Saturday at Wuliang Township police station, Yuzhou city, senior police officer Wang Xucan said.
Shi said his brother took the blame for him, and he offered bribes after the detention of his brother, and was promised that his brother would be released soon.
Shi is being questioned, Wang said.
Shi allegedly avoided paying expressway tolls worth almost four million yuan (about $600,000) by using false military passes.
Shi was convicted of fraud by a local court in Pingdingshan city. The court also ruled that his political rights were deprived for life.
He allegedly purchased fake military uniforms and licence plates and hired others to drive two vehicles transporting sand.
The case caused a stir in China as many questioned whether the sentence was too harsh.
The Pingdingshan court decided Friday to retry the case.
