Police apologize after mistaking skinny man for drug addict

Source:Globaltimes.cn Published: 2013-9-1 19:33:13

Police in Xichang, Sichuan Province issued a formal apology amid public outrage after they wrongly detained a man on August 24 because he looked like a drug addict.

Li Yong (pseudonym) was shopping on the street when he was suddenly accosted by several plain clothes policemen, dragged into a public toilet and forced to submit to a urine test before he was handcuffed and taken to the police station, reported the West China City Daily on August 30.

Li was released about two hours later after the test showed he was clean without an immediate apology from the authorities, said the paper.

The case triggered public outrage after Li's daughter posted her father's experience online.

"Now skinny people have to be careful when walking on the street," commented a Net user.

A Xichang Public Security Bureau spokesman explained that the arrest was made by young and inexperienced officers on patrol during a recent crackdown on drug-related crimes in the area.

Li and family members said they were satisfied with the police apology and did not make claims for damages. 

Web Editor: liyingxa@globaltimes.com.cn


Posted in: Odd News

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