Commentary: Legal pursuit of truth needed in death of Chinese girl in Germany

A Chinese student was killed lately in an eastern German city Dessau-Rosslau. It is unbelieveable that such a young lady came to a sudden end of her life. Bafflingly, judicial procedure and media report went off track under the influence of multiple factors, followed by widespread speculations and rumors that discredited the dead, further traumatized her family and disrupted the investigation and prosecution.

According to reports, the victim failed to return from a jog on May 11 and was found dead near her accommodation by the local police two days later. Based on preliminary judgment, police treated it as a criminal case. Two suspects, one male and one female, were caught by the police on May 23. Allegedly, the female suspect is his girlfriend and they both live in the victim's neighborhood. Presently, German police has initiated criminal investigations and possible judicial frauds are also under investigation.

However, in an open-air press conference over the investigation, the chief prosecutor of Dessau-Ross disclosed some unverified sensitive details partially based on the confession of the suspects. Professional or not, such practice is obviously imprudent in terms of morality and justice, considering its practical consequences. Due to complicated ties of the suspect's relatives with local police, public voice began to question the prosecutors in their behavior of stigmatizing the victim and misleading the case.

This issue has aroused extensive attention from both China and Germany. In many follow-up reports from the German side, unverified sensitive contents still prevail, some revealing the victim's face. This is undoubtedly inappropriate and inconsiderate and their professionalism, therefore, becomes questionable. A few media and personal social media accounts made groundless accusations, generating panic among Chinese students going to Germany and their parents.

One would hope that such media attention would accelerate investigation and the prosecution process. Nevertheless, truth under procedural justice is the best consolation for the victim's family. Before the truth comes to light, any false reports over unconfirmed information are irresponsible and would hurt the unfortunate family again.

In all fairness, a serious attitude and devotion of German police and the local government is clear in spite of existent doubtful points: they gave up weekends and holidays to accelerate the process; due to ties of suspect's relatives with the local police, the municipal and state government handed over the case to the police of another federal state and changed the chief prosecutor; politicians in Germany and the German press start to urge related authorities to ascertain the facts as soon as possible.

China's embassy in Germany follows closely the development of the investigation process, consoles the victim's family and assists actively in solving related problems. With the help of the embassy, family members are safeguarding their lawful rights and interests by legal means. The embassy issued a statement a few days ago to express thanks to the efforts and devotion of German police and the requirements to verify the case as soon as possible and bring the perpetrator to justice. Overseas Chinese in Germany, including Chinese students, took the initiative in searching for related evidences and organize memorial events together with universities and local governments to express their rational appeals through various channels. Under the efforts from all parties, things are developing towards a better direction.

As the bilateral exchanges and cooperation between China and Germany become closer, an increasing number of Chinese have come to Germany for further study, investment and travel. The victim's university has over 800 Chinese students. The German side is obliged to exert greater efforts to make them safe and create a good environment for life and study.

For this specific case, it is imperative that justice and equity be guaranteed and convincing information and judgment be provided. We hope that the truth comes to light as soon as possible and the criminal will be held accountable according to law.

The girl is gone forever. However, the reflection on this issue does not come to an end. German judicial department and the media from both countries should conduct deeper self-examination on how to better safeguard procedural justice and the legitimate rights and interests of the victim in line with their professional ethical codes respectively. Endit