Wrongly convicted 'murderer' becomes rights advocate
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Zhao Zuohai, a farmer who served 11 years in prison after being wrongfully convicted of murder, has become an advocate for people whose rights have been violated since he was released this May, and even legally represented them in some cases.
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An official in charge of Shangqiu judicial system apologized to Zhao Zuohai(L). |
A real estate developer in Kunming, Yunnan Province, recently turned to Zhao for help because they argued that local construction authorities had overruled their legal right to develop a long deserted parking lot into a farm product market, the Sichuan-based West China Metropolis Daily reported. The company asked Zhao to be their "civilian representative."
Chinese law allows individuals who are not legal professionals to represent clients and carry out legal duties.
Zhao said his role is more symbolic than practical.
"I can do nothing significant apart from calling for public attention," he said.
Zhao, 57, a native of Central China's Henan Province, was released in May this year after the person he was convicted of murdering 11 years ago turned up alive and well. His release made him a household figure.
It is reported that hundreds of people have turned to him for help since his release, even though he has lost two cases for clients he agreed to represent, the paper reported.
Zhao's efforts have made a difference in some cases.
Duan Tieling, a worker from Kaifeng, Henan Province, told the Global Times that Zhao helped persuade the higher people's court to reexamine the case of his murdered mother 21 years ago. Duan has always believed that the person convicted of the crime is not guilty.
However, some have accused Zhao of taking advantage of his situation for money.
Zhao said to the Global Times in an interview Thursday that he "just wants to help those people who are in a similar situation" to him.
"I am still a farmer, and the compensation is enough for me. I do not need to make money out of this," Zhao said.
