File photo taken in 1981 shows Yuan Longping selecting hybrid rice specimens for a lecture. Chinese scientist Yuan Longping, renowned for developing the first hybrid rice strain that pulled countless people out of hunger, died of illness at 91 on May 22, 2021. Photo: Xinhua

The reputation and honor of deceased heroes and role models like Yuan Longping, whose deeds and spirits are universally recognized by society, should be protected as well as the reputation and honor of heroes and martyrs, China's Supreme People's Procuratorate explained in response to the case of netizens punished for insulting and slandering the reputation of the late scholar of the Chinese Academy of Engineering. 

After the academician passed away last May, some netizens were punished by the public security department for defaming Yuan, revered as the "Father of Hybrid Rice" in China, for "reporting false information" or "spreading rumors, insults and attacks" on Yuan. They were charged with crime against the honor of heroes and martyrs. 

At a press briefing on Monday, the Supreme People's Procuratorate explained the reasons why the crime was applicable in this case, even though the late academician was not a "hero or martyr" as is defined in the Law on the Protection of Heroes and Martyrs. 

According to Luo Qingdong, a prosecutor from the Supreme People's Procuratorate, the definition of "heroes and martyrs" in the charge of crimes against the honor of heroes and martyrs refers to the heroes and martyrs who have sacrificed their lives or passed away. 

As to those deceased hero models who made tremendous contributions and sacrifices for our country, nation and people, and whose deeds and spirits are generally recognized by the community, such as Yuan Longping, their reputation and honor carry socialist core values, and should be protected by the law.