Man sentenced to 6 years in jail for airport blast

Ji Zhongxing, who is charged with causing a blast in the Beijing Capital International Airport in July, stands trial at the Beijing Chaoyang District People's Court, Sept 17, 2013. [Photo/Xinhua]

BEIJING - A man who set off a homemade bomb at Beijing Capital International Airport in July received a 6-year prison sentence for causing a blast.

Ji Zhongxing, who is confined to a wheelchair, was detained after his bomb -- made out of fireworks -- went off outside the arrival hall at Terminal 3 at 6:24 pm on July 20.

The blast injured Ji's left arm and caused minor injuries to a police officer.

The 34-year-old refuted the prosecution's claim that he intended to commit suicide or harm others in the trial held on Sept 17, saying he was only trying to gain public attention.

The court, however, said the man set off the explosion intentionally. He "concealed the bomb to escape a security check" and "held the bomb firmly" after police came, according to a Sina Weibo post from Beijing Chaoyang District People's Court.

Ji said he went to the airport to protest about an unresolved dispute in Dongguan, Guangdong province, where he worked 10 years ago. The dispute relates to an incident in which he alleges his back was broken after an altercation with two security guards.

Citizens should safeguard their legal rights in a rational manner and the origin of the grievance does not lessen the criminality nor affect judgment, the post said.

Ji was given a lenient sentence because he confessed to his crime and shouted warnings for people to keep a safe distance from him, according to the post.

Ji didn't say if he will appeal the verdict.

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