Photo: VCG

China's cyber police have investigated and dealt with six cases this year involving the defamation of national heroes, according to an announcement made on Monday, the 88th anniversary of the start of the entire nation's resistance against Japanese aggression.

A netizen surnamed Wang, repeatedly posted inappropriate content online insulting and defaming national heroes to gain attention and traffic, according to the cyber department of the Ministry of Public Security on Monday. Wang's posts quickly spread, garnering over 10,000 views and seriously damaging the reputation of the martyrs, as well as harming public interests. 

Police conducted an investigation and referred the case for prosecution. Wang was sentenced to nine months in prison for infringing on the reputation of heroes and martyrs.

Another netizen, surnamed Xu, posted inappropriate remarks insulting heroes who died in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, seeking attention. The content spread widely online, triggering public outrage and causing a negative social impact. Local police issued an administrative penalty against Xu in accordance with the law.

The police also disclosed three other cases in which netizens openly distorted and belittled the sacrifices and historical legacy of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression on online platforms. Local authorities imposed administrative penalties in accordance with the law.

According to the announcement, another netizen, surnamed Li, publicly insulted revolutionary martyrs on a social media platform, defiling national sentiment and undermining their honor. The incident triggered widespread public anger and had a negative social impact. In response, local police issued an administrative penalty in accordance with the law.

The police warned that these cases serve as a legal reminder that cyberspace is not above the law and any act defaming heroes will be severely punished.

Eighty-eight years ago, on July 7, Japanese troops attacked the Chinese garrison at Lugou Bridge, also known as Marco Polo Bridge, located in what is now the Fengtai district of Beijing, under the pretext of searching for a missing Japanese soldier.

While Japan's aggression against China began as early as 1931, the July 7th Incident marked its escalation into a full-scale invasion and the start of China's nationwide resistance, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

Global Times