NOVEL NEXT Chapter 140: The Man Who Shook the Entire Internet with His Own Power!
Watching the defendants in the court, overwhelmed with joy and tears, immensely grateful…
Qin Mu let out a light sigh. Actually, probation isn't as good as people imagine it to be.
Generally speaking, the term of probation is equal to or longer than the actual term of imprisonment. For example, if the prison term is three years, probation must be at least three years. If the prison term is two years, probation must be at least two years. Probation is not a lack of punishment; it's a form of penalty, considered an alternative form of probationary punishment. Therefore, the observation period is quite lengthy, accompanied by a series of mandatory regulations.
For criminals granted probation, they are legally subject to community correction during their probation period. They must behave well and must not engage in any illegal activities—and this specifically means *any* illegal activity. Violations, if accumulated more than three times, will result in imprisonment. As for actual criminal behavior, committing any such act will lead to immediate custody, with the new crime added to the previous ones for cumulative punishment. In addition, those sentenced to probation must accept community correctional education.
Unlike ordinary individuals, those on probation have their range of activities greatly restricted. They must not leave their specified city or county without a compelling reason. If they wish to leave, they must report to the Bureau of Justice in advance and can only depart after their application is approved. In most regions, probationers need to have tracking installed on their phones or other devices to monitor their movements. In some provinces, they are required to wear wristbands or ankle monitors. If a person under correction leaves the controlled area, the Bureau of Justice will receive an alert and issue a warning. Probationers also need to visit the local correctional community regularly every week to study, answer questions, have their learning evaluated, and report on various aspects such as their living and work situations.
In summary, many individuals on probation, after undergoing the "probation experience" for some time, often begin to think that being in prison would have been preferable. The term of probation is longer, while actual prison sentences can be relatively short. For instance, for a six-month fixed-term imprisonment, the probation period is typically two years. The consensus among all probationers is that probation is more arduous than actual imprisonment.
In prison, there's also no freedom, but there are no expenses either; one doesn't need to worry about clothing, food, accommodation, or transportation. But it's different outside. You need to earn your own money for food and other necessities. Consequently, many probationers, after a few months, deliberately commit offenses just to be sent to prison, hoping to get their sentences over with sooner.
「At the same time.」
Other courtrooms also announced the verdicts for all defendants.
"Yuan Cui Lian and Xia Qingqing, after trial by the court, were found to have committed crimes with clear facts and substantial evidence. They violated Article 253 and Article 293 of the Criminal Law, specifically committing the crimes of infringing upon citizens' personal information and picking quarrels and provoking troubles. Xia Qingqing, as the direct person in charge and principal offender, is sentenced to a fixed-term imprisonment of six years and three months and is ordered to compensate Qin Mu a total of 32,000 yuan for mental distress, lost work time, and nutrition expenses. Yuan Cui Lian, as a direct participant in the act, is sentenced to a fixed-term imprisonment of five years."
"…"
"Zhao Dahai published inappropriate and abusive remarks, inflicting verbal violence on the plaintiff Qin Mu. His remarks spread extensively, receiving up to 1,200 likes. For this, he violated Article 246 of the Criminal Law and was found guilty of defamation. He is sentenced to three months of fixed-term imprisonment, suspended for one year on probation, and is ordered to compensate Qin Mu, Liang Chengbin, Bai Xuelan, and Hua Li 2,000 yuan each."
This round of sentencing set a record for the longest in history. The verdicts for three thousand two hundred people were revealed successively. Those with serious cases and particularly grievous criminal facts received the maximum sentence of three years. Those with minor cases eligible for probation mostly received probation. As for those defendants who did not participate in the litigation process and did not hire lawyers, they were uniformly punished severely. Failing to participate in litigation without a valid reason constitutes serious contempt of court, and the judgments for such behavior naturally showed no leniency.
"Fantastic! Probation! It's actually probation! We don't have to go to jail!"
"I will never post online again, it's too scary!"
"My probation is for one year, how about you guys?"
"Mine is two years, a bit long, but anyway, it's better than being in prison."
"…"
The defendants represented by various lawyers were all extremely excited. After the sentencing, they embraced their families tightly. In that moment, on the verge of losing their freedom, they deeply realized its value. Reflecting on their reckless and abusive online behavior, they felt immense fear and regret. This emotion of regret was largely born out of fear. Qin Mu's actions had shown them that even abusing people online could land them in jail!
「In the Third Criminal Court.」
Yuan Cui Lian and Xia Qingqing heard their verdicts and stood rooted to the spot. They wore dazed expressions. The verdict left both of them unable to react for a moment.
It wasn't until the bailiffs approached to confirm each defendant's identity that Yuan Cui Lian's complexion drastically changed. She then attempted to pull her daughter and flee the courthouse.
"Until the identity of each person is clearly established, all defendants are prohibited from leaving the courthouse!" a bailiff announced, as others immediately blocked the courthouse exits. One had to confirm their identity before leaving. Everyone needed to receive their judgment document and information about subsequent arrangements. Those convicted of defamation would be assigned to serve their sentences nearby in Jin City.