But it has been virtually obsolete since it was outlawed by the Ministry of
Public Security in the early 1980s.
In singling out prostitutes as the object of this public scorn, the local
police were probably encouraged by the belief that prostitution is so
stigmatized that offenders are not worthy of those civil rights normally
accorded to a citizen.
Apparently the police in question gave little or no consideration to the
feelings of the parents, children or spouses of those on parade.
In an open letter recently addressed to the National People's Congress,
Shanghai lawyer Yao Jianguo points out that before the police hand cases over
to the procuratorate these people are suspects at best.
In thus openly humiliating them the police are clearly guilty of procedural
mistakes in law enforcement.
Instead of being humiliated out of their shady business, some prostitutes may
end up resigned to their fate and decide there is no hope of turning over a new
leaf.
There should be more efforts aimed at eradicating those conditions that give
rise to prostitution.
That local police resort to sporadic campaigns rather than routine vigilance
suggests they were doing less than enough.
