Sweating profusely and out of breath, Fang Wei lowered Fang Hong gently to the sidewalk. But three years of carrying my sister on my back has taken its toll. How Fang Wei came to be carrying Fang Hong on his back is a telling story about modern China. It is the tale of a brother's battle to win justice on behalf of his sister, who nearly lost her life at the hands of family planning officials. Fang Wei is one of thousands of Chinese fighting the system as the government gradually implements rule of law over rule by man.
Progress is patchy, of course.
In poor, rural provinces, officials still go unpunished for crimes against their own people. The tragic story of Fang Hong is such a case. For the most part, the details were recounted to me by Fang Wei, the brother. There is also a settlement agreement confirming that family planning officials were responsible for Fang Hong's current condition. I have changed the names of the family members and chosen not to reveal their home province.