Shanghai, October 26 (Gasgoo.com) Shanghai's Pudong New Area government made a public apology today for entrapping a company van driver and accusing him of operating an illegal taxi, Xinhua News and local media reported.
On October 14, Sun Zhongjie, a 19-year-old newcomer to Shanghai, was caught and forced by so-called traffic officers to admit that he was operating an illegal cab and to pay a fine of 10,000 yuan ($1,450). Sun said he had only acted out of kindness in helping a young "passenger" who begged him for a ride.
His case attracted nationwide media attention when angry Sun cut off one of his fingers to prove his innocence. Later investigation found the former Nanhui District transport supervision team used wrongful methods for improper evidence collection -- using the professional "passenger" as a bait.
Today's about-turn by the Shanghai municipality contradicted its earlier findings on October 20 that cleared transport supervisors of any mishandling in Sun's case.
The local government today said its previous investigation was prematurely concluded and had compromised the image of Shanghai and Pudong. The government will end the case according to law and make an open apology to the public.
Sun's lawyer said today that Sun will claim compensation from the Pudong transport supervision unit for his finger damage and mental distress. He may also sue the traffic authorities for fraud if the charges weren't dropped.
Another driver named Zhang Hui was seized by the Minhang district's traffic law enforcement team for allegedly operating illegal cab services after he gave ride to a "sick" stranger (or bait) on early September. The local government also revoked the penalty on the driver today.
A crackdown on illegal black cabs has been ongoing for months in Shanghai, along with efforts to combat drunk driving and ensure orderliness at crosswalks. Reportedly, many innocent drivers have been entrapped in this desperate campaign.
