China's Underdogs Boiling Over

A public outcry in China over the case of a woman arrested for stabbing a local official who assaulted her after she refused to provide sexual services reflects the widespread distrust of officials and sympathy for the underdog — even someone who may face murder charges.

The woman involved, 21-year-old Deng Yujiao, a waitress in the Xiongfeng Hotel in Badong county of Hubei province, apparently resisted when three officials demanded “special services.” After some pushing and shoving, she lashed out with a knife, stabbing 44-year-old Deng Guida, who later died, as well as injuring Huang Dezhi, 41.