Angry passers-by beat a driver to death in Fuzhou, Fujian province, blaming him for starting the bus "intentionally" after an accident and killing a wounded woman. Such behavior undermines justice, says an editorial in Guangming Daily. Excerpts:

The people's anger is understandable. Anyone who witnessed a cold-blooded action would be angry and might take actions.

However, anger does not justify the killing. Even if the driver did evil, his life is still protected by law and should not be deprived without a fair trial.

What the passers-by have done is an illegal trial based on morality, which is a dangerous example to follow. Just imagine if somebody can attack and even kill you in the name of morality; what is the difference between that and the jungle as described by Thomas Hobbes?

The only way out is rule of law, which defines rights, crimes and penalties clearly. Only with law can we be truly safe from crime — in whatever name.