Man Executed in China for Attack on Japanese Nationals

Zhou Jiasheng was executed in China after being convicted of murdering a Chinese tour guide and injuring two Japanese individuals during a knife attack last June. The Chinese Foreign Ministry informed Japan of the execution, while the motive was linked to personal debt issues. The court did not clarify whether the attack was racially motivated.

A man named Zhou Jiasheng has been executed in China following his conviction for an attack that injured two Japanese individuals and resulted in the death of a Chinese tour guide. The execution notification was provided by the Chinese Foreign Ministry to the Japanese Embassy in China; however, the exact date and time of the execution were not disclosed.

Zhou’s conviction stemmed from an incident last June in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, where he attacked a Japanese woman and her child as they waited for a school bus. The incident led to serious injuries for the two Japanese victims and the death of the Chinese woman, who was their guide.

After a district court found Zhou guilty of intentional murder and sentenced him to death on January 23, it revealed that his motive was rooted in financial distress, as he was reportedly tired of his debt. The court’s documentation, however, did not clearly state whether Zhou specifically targeted Japanese victims during the attack.

The execution of Zhou Jiasheng underscores the severe criminal penalties in China for violent actions, particularly those that result in loss of life. Despite the injuries to two Japanese nationals, the court’s decision highlights a complicated motive based on personal financial turmoil rather than an explicit anti-Japanese sentiment. This case reflects ongoing concerns regarding safety for foreign nationals within the country.

Original Source: www.nippon.com