Authority apologizes for confiscating swimmer's clothes
CRI, December 8, 2015
The Urban Management Bureau in the city of Sanya in Hainan has been forced to issue an apology after confiscating a swimmer's clothes.
A photo taken around 8pm on December 4, 2015 shows Bi Guosheng standing in front of the municipal government of Sanya.[Photo/weibo.com]
The incident took place Friday afternoon after Bi Guochang, a retired cadre from northeast China's Heilongjiang province, could not find his clothes and bicycle after swimming in Sanya Harbor.
Although Bi Guocheng called the local hotline, and even travelled to the city's municipal government offices, he was unable to access his items. He was forced to do all this in just his underwear. However, the next day, his items were later returned to his home.
His story has since generated a lot of attention after it was first reported.
In their official response to the incident, the authorities in Sanya have acknowledged a lack of empathy and manners involved in Bi Guocheng's case. The urban management officer, or 'Chengguan,' who took his clothes and bike originally, has since been suspended. Sanya is also promising better training for its local urban management officers. However, it's also warning people not to swim or leave your items in unsafe areas in the city.
