By Yang Tao (杨涛)
Economic Observer Online
Nov.22,2011
Translated by Zhu Na
Original article: [Chinese] 

Prison is the right place for Zhang Jingli (张敬礼), who accepted bribes and encouraged false accusations while he was deputy head of the State Food and Drug Administration, but was it really appropriate for his former employer to screen an indecent video of him after his arrest? 

Firstly, there’s the question of the source of the video, which showed Zhang with prostitutes at the now-closed Passion Club in Beijing. Did Zhang arrange the recording, was it organized by the state prosecutors, or was it his opponents?

If he’s responsible, then that’s this first question is closed. If the video was shot by the investigators, then we should establish whether they got official approval, and how the drugs administration came by it. If it was shot by one of Zhang’s rivals, then we need to ask why one citizen is able to record another in such circumstances.

Aside from the video’s source, what right did the drug administration have to screen such a video, which is clearly private?

Zhang should be punished under the law for his crimes, but he shouldn't lose his right to privacy.

If this video included evidence for the case against him, then it should be only viewed by the [Communist Party’s] disciplinary inspection and the investigators, not the drug administration.

Furthermore, the media coverage of Zhang’s indecent video means that the ex-official is now known for immorality and depravity. The public reached a judgment on his character before the court, which would prejudice his trial.