Helpers need protection from false accusations

An old man in Pengzhou, Southwest China's Sichuan province, who fell at a crossroads accused a high school graduate who tried to help him of being the cause. It was not until the local police watched the surveillance video of what really happened that the student was exonerated. Comments:

A verbal warning to the senior citizen is not a punishment, and it may even deal a blow to people with kind-hearted intentions and the good Samaritan spirit. It may also encourage some other old people to do the same in order to get extra gains by blackmailing innocent people. It is not the first time that an oldly person has falsely accused someone who extended a helping hand to them. Such false accusations are an act of blackmail. Such people should not be exempted from the wrongs they have committed simply because they are old since everyone is equal before the law.

southcn.com, July 24

Such willful accusers should be held accountable and receive due punishment. Being responsible for the collection of evidence, the police should better protect those who extend a helping hand, and the cost and legal risk of making a false accusation should be doubled.

Beijing News, July 25

Overstating the risks of extending a helping hand to the needy has encouraged a lack of ethical behavior. It is common sense that all good deeds come with risks. Only by keeping that in mind will people be willing to help those in need.

gmw.cn, July 25