Lawyer draws ire for ‘brothels reduce rape’ comment

A complaint filed against a defense attorney over comments made during a court trial in China that included “legalized prostitution would reduce instances of rape” has since drawn widespread attention on social media.

The accused lawyer surnamed Liu claims the complaint was made out of revenge after prosecutors did not get the conviction they sought.

In the letter to justice authorities now making the rounds, public prosecutors in Changsha accused Liu of unethical conduct during a 2017 organized prostitution trial.

During his defense, Liu argued that his client, surnamed Chen, not only was merely handling the money, but that brothels help reduce rape.

“The prostitution establishment in this case is also conducive to reducing rape and other violent crimes, which is conducive to social stability,” Liu said, among other comments.

Judges ruled that Chen had not directly run the brothel, and was given a lighter sentence of one year and fined 30,000 yuan ($4,500).

Following the trial, the district procutatorate complained Liu's comments were against the law and accused him of “not conforming to the behavior of a lawyer.”

Liu, however, said the complaint is as an act of revenge by the procuratorate after failing to get a heavier sentence.

“Doesn't the court allow for defendants to give incorrect opinions?” Liu said.

The justice bureau has not responded to the complaint.