Interview with Prolific Litigant Detained for Writing “F@ck” in Appeal Brief

陈书伟：凭什么写“操”字就被拘留？

Southern Weekend, 2009-05-26

After serving 15 days of administrative detention for “insulting judicial personnel,” prolific litigant and consumer rights activist Chen Shuwei expresses no regrets about writing only “F@ck” in the “Facts and Reasons for Appeal” section of an appeal form. Beginning in 2003, Chen, a self-described “individual rights defender,” has filed 187 lawsuits—despite a 15 month period covering all 2005 in which the courts deprived him of his right to sue—the majority aimed at the “unreasonable and illegal” activities of the telecommunications industry. Chen thinks discussions in the media and among legal experts about his case have mistakenly focused on the meaning of “操”when the legality of the Futian District (Shenzhen) Court sentencing him to detention is the real issue. He argues the court's only legally-prescribed role in handling the appeal was to accept the appeal form and send it on to the local intermediate court for review. He has again appealed the original ruling; it is not clear if he has applied for administrative review of his detention case.