Gang Leader Evades Death Penalty for Two Decades Thanks to Political Connections

Chinese police parade a group of 15 convicted criminals to be sentenced in public, most of which are likely to face the death penalty, on November 15, 2004 in Xian, China. China Photos/Getty Images

A local gang leader in the southwestern city of Kunming was able to evade his death penalty punishment for two decades thanks to his parents’ roles in the local police.

Sun Xiaoguo was convicted of rape and assault charges in two court cases, the latter in 1998 when he was sentenced to death.