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A man in northern China's Shanxi Province has recently been sentenced to three years behind bars for raping his fiancée a day after engagement.According to court documents, the couple was matched by a marriage agency and began dating on January 30 this year. However, the woman had objected the idea of premarital sex during their relationship.The two were engaged on May 1st and held their engagement ceremony the same day. On May 2nd, the defendant forced the plaintiff into engaging in sexual relationship despite her objection. She subsequently set fire to bedroom furniture and living room curtains. Moreover, when she tried to escape the defendant's apartment and call for help, the defendant dragged her back in and confiscated her phone.The defendant only gave back the plaintiff her phone when her mother called later during the night and she reported the case to the police.After completing the preliminary investigation and evidence collection, including burn marks, bruises on the victim's body, and video footage from the apartment's lift and staircases, the Yanggao County PSB police detained the defendant on May 5th.He was charged with rape by the Yanggao County People’s Court on June 26th, and the trial began on August 24th.To protect the privacy of the victim, the court held closed trial in accordance with the law.
The defendant and his family argued that the plaintiff was trying to extort them using rape as an excuse, adding that the incident happened the day they negotiated for the bride price.Rumors also began flooding the internet mainly through social media with many accussing the victim of marriage extortion and fraud, and some alleging that she had a history of marriage.His mother, Zhen, said "The woman asked my son to include her name on his property and pay her a dowry of 100,000 yuan (about 14,000 US dollars).""At that time, we didn't have that much money or property, which made her emotional and accused my son of rape." Added Zhen.
She said that on May 5th, their family managed to get a property deed and promised to add the woman's name on it. However, the woman claimed it was too late and accused them of not valuing her.
Nevertheless, the court ruled that the defendant was guilty of rape and sentenced him to three years in prison.Considering that the victim and Xi were in a relationship, and that the latter cooperated with the police investigation, the court opted for a comparatively lenient sentence.The court also issued a statement denouncing rumors that were making rounds on the internet, "Rumors suggesting the two lived together, the victim’s prior marriage, and allegations of extortion have all been discredited. The public is urged to maintain a respectful online environment, honor personal privacy, and protect citizens’ legal rights.”
The case quickly garnered significant interest from the public, sparking widespread debate on social media over multiple issues including marriage, consent, betrothal gifts, and bride prices.
Zhen told reporters that they were not satisfied with the verdict and the son has filed an appeal.
Reference: Yanggao County People’s Court
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