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INTRO
The mother of a rape victim in central China has filed a petition over her detainment in a labor camp, sparking a new wave of public outcry calling for reform - or even abolishment - of re-education through labor.
Tang Hui is a 39-year-old mother from Hunan province in central China.
In October 2006, Tang's then-11-year-old daughter was kidnapped, raped and forced into prostitution...
About two months later, the girl was rescued.
In June, 2012, the Hunan Provincial Higher People's Court sentenced two of the defendants to death.
Four others were given life sentences. Another one received a 15-year term.
Before and after the sentences were handed down, Tang had repeatedly petitioned for justice in front of government buildings.
She sought the death penalty for all seven people charged with forcing her daughter into prostitution.
She complains local police falsified evidence, to reduce the sentences of some culprits... And says the police, were regular clients at the brothel.
But in August, local authorities sent her to a labor re-education camp, for 18 months.
Police say she was treated because "she was dissatisfied with the verdicts, and her petitions seriously disturbed social order".
But Tang was released eight days later, as the center said her daughter was still a minor, in need of her mother's care.
On Monday, Tang handed petition letters to the provincial petition department, urging authorities to redress the case.
SOUNDBITE (CHINESE) TANG HUI, Rape victim's mother:
"My petition has three purposes. First, I demand a harsh punishment to the police officers who raped my daughter. Second, I want to meet the joint investigation team members. Third, I hope the provincial petition department will force the police to publicize all evidence of my labor camp re-education."
The petition comes three days after authorities rejected her demand for state compensation, for the time she spent in the labor camp.
The city's re-education through labor committee claims her term was handed down in line with re-education through labor regulations and the decision to release her was based on humanitarian reasons.
In response, Tang says she would file a lawsuit.
SOUNDBITE (CHINESE) TANG HUI, Rape victim's mother:
"They don't give me the compensation because they think their decision is right. Though I am released, I don't get justice."
Several re-education through labor cases, including Tang's, have fueled discussion over reforming, or even abolishing, China's labor camp system.
Experts say the criticism stems from the abuse of the labor camp system and the lack of a legal basis in randomly covering unwanted petitioners.
The re-education through labor system was approved by the top legislature and established in the 1950s, a time when the Communist Party of China was consolidating the newly founded republic and rectifying social order.
The system allows police to detain people for up to four years without trial.
Though the system was modified to include more regulations since the late 1970s, many believe it contradicts the Constitution - and is abused by local officials to safeguard "social stability."
On January 8th, the national political and legal work conference said China will push for labor camp reform this year - offering the hope of change in future.
