Man sues for policeman's apology
(eastday)
Updated: 2005-01-28 13:22

The Pudong New Area People's Court held a hearing yesterday for a man's lawsuit against the international airport branch of the Shanghai Public Security Bureau. He demanded a 10-day detention be withdrawn and that a police officer apologize to him.

On September 9 last year, the plaintiff Sun Miaorong, together with his "business partner" Qiu Hongda, drove his minibus to Hongqiao International Airport to solicit travelers for rides. They did not have a license.

Sun parked at a hotel near the airport. Qiu went to the airport to look for passengers and returned with five foreigners. He told Sun the destination was the Equatorial Shanghai Hotel and the price was 150 yuan (US$18).Police witnessed the exchange.

While Sun was waiting at the airport exit to Yan'an Road Elevated Road, two policemen approached.

At this point, the court heard different stories about what happened.

According to police, when officer Li Ke opened the driver's door of the bus and ordered Sun to get out, he not only refused but started to drive away.

The bus didn't stop until one of the foreigners sitting beside Sun reached over and turned the ignition off. The bus pulled Li about 10 meters, a police officer told the court.

"Sun started the bus purposely without regard to the policeman's safety," testified Ni Haoliang, an officer of the airport bureau. "His behavior obstructed an officer from doing his duty. So we gave Sun a 10-day detention.

"The police also cited Sun's alleged confession: "I wanted to run away at that time because I was afraid of getting caught," as proof.

Sun testified he did not start the bus intentionally. According to the plaintiff, Li did not say he was on duty - despite being in uniform - and forced him to get out of the bus by grabbing Sun's collar. During the altercation, his foot stepped on the gas accidentally."The bus moved forward slowly and I tried my best to stop," Sun testified. "The policeman violated my dignity."

He added his case should be dealt with by the passenger transport administration, not police. The court didn't announce a verdict in the case.

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