FUTIAN District police have released photos of 20 people suspected of vandalizing Japanese-brand vehicles and property during a local anti-Japanese rally a week ago.

    On the department’s microblog Saturday, police said the errant protesters damaged public property, adding that all of them were male and most were young adults.

    Thousands of people gathered on Futian streets Sept. 16 in a protest fueled by the ongoing dispute between China and Japan over possession of the Diaoyu Islands in the East China Sea. Similar demonstrations occurred across the country, sometimes including vandalism, violence and property damage.

    Police hoped errant protesters would turn themselves in on the promise of leniency, and citizens would help lead police to arrests by providing valuable clues.

    Shenzhen police have detained seven people for damaging property and disrupting social order. Four of them were officially arrested by authorities.

    Police said patriotism is not to be used as a cover for criminal action and citizens are barred from organizing rallies through online chat forums or by sending text messages.

    Whistleblowers can provide clues by calling 2222110 to reach Shenzhen police, 8291-8777 for Futian police and 8363-8110 for Nanyuan Police Station. Police will offer rewards for valuable clues.

    (Richard Han)