China's Shandong Province to punish "nude petitioners"

Petitioners in east China's Shandong Province willing to bear all for their cause have been told to cover up or face prosecution.

The local legislature has passed a regulation that bans petitioners from stripping off in public after many used the eye catching display to bring attention to their grievances, according to the provincial people's congress standing committee. The ban will take effect in January.

People who are dissatisfied with official settlements, such as court rulings, are entitled to "Shangfang," (petition to higher authorities). Government departments, however, have dedicated departments to receive and resolve problems for petitioners.

Those who cannot petition for themselves due to physical or other reasons can authorize, in writing, one or two close relatives, lawyers or legal volunteers, according to the new regulation. Endi