2010-04-02 07:14

WENZHOU, Zhejiang - Local prosecutors in Zhejiang province have started to look into an alleged rape case which local police refused to investigate.

Wu Hongjuan (L) and video clips (R), which Wu claims records her boss, Zhang Qihua, sexually harassing her at work. [Tianya.cn]

Police in Wenzhou of Zhejiang last Friday turned down an investigation request from Wu Hongjuan, a 24-year-old female worker, because of insufficient evidence to back up her claim that she had been raped by her boss about 30 times over the past two years.

Following the police's refusal, Wu posted her story online on Sunday out of "anger" and the post aroused heated discussion.

The procuratorate in Longwan district of Wenzhou, which has the power to oversee police work, then intervened in Wu's case and further investigation began on Monday, local media reported.

"We're trying to collect as much information as possible, but we'll need time to reach a conclusion," an unnamed official was quoted as saying.

Wu told China Daily on Thursday that she told local police about being raped by her boss, Zhang Qihua, last Thursday after dialing 110.

However, she was told on Friday her case could not be filed because there was not enough evidence to suggest it could be a rape case.

On Sunday, Wu posted a detailed description of her experiences on three well-known forums.

"I posted my story along with photos and videos purely to express my discontent and feeling of helplessness at the local police's conclusion. I didn't realize the story would spread in such a short time," she said.

Wu, from East China's Anhui province, came to Wenzhou with her boyfriend and started a job in Zhejiang Tianjin New Energy Science & Technology Co Ltd two years ago. She became an administration officer after a few months.

During her work in the company, Wu claimed she was pulled out of the office and raped by Zhang 30 times in his office, toilets and dormitory when other colleagues were out of the office, she said.

After keeping silent for about two years, Wu claimed she could no longer bear the mental pressure and physical attacks.

"I called my uncle, who majored in law, as I didn't think I could handle the sexual abuse any longer. He suggested I call the police," Wu said.

Wu said Zhang contacted her two days after the case hit the Internet via a third person to discuss whether they could resolve it behind closed doors. Wu refused and Zhang has not tried to reach her since.

Zhang Qihua, the chairman of the company, turned down an interview request from China Daily on Thursday.

Heated discussion has spread among netizens, who have offered both support and criticism. Some netizens even called or sent her text messages.

"Most calls and texts I've received are of support and sympathy. However, I don't have the courage to browse the online comments because I know there are many people who doubt my motivation for exposing such an intimate, personal story," Wu said.

Some netizens wonder whether Wu had been willing to have sexual contact with her boss, otherwise she would have reported it to the police much earlier.

Liu Mingyin, a lawyer in Anhui province, said the current evidence, mainly a few photos, are not sufficient to determine a rape case. "However, the police should not have turned down the investigation request," he said.

Wu Jiansheng, a lawyer from Zhejiang Gaoce Law Office, also said the decision made by the local police not to file the case was thoughtless.

"However, I believe the online discussion and media reports will push the police into making the correct decision," he said.

Wu said she and her boyfriend, who has been supporting her since learning of the issue last Friday, are waiting for a decree from local prosecutors.

"I tell myself I have to stay strong and positive for the decree. I hope I will get a fair verdict soon," Wu said.

China Daily