Zhang Qian
zhqcindy@163.com
GREGG SHARPPAN from New Zealand was detained for two weeks in a detention center in Futian District in December for injuring an elderly resident when trying to stop the man from smoking in a public space.
The incident took place at a children’s playground at a shopping mall in Futian.
Sharppan was with his 3-year-old son, 1-year-old daughter and his pregnant wife when the man came out from a toilet and walked towards the family while smoking, according to Sharppan.
“Since his act of smoking jeopardized the health of my family, by gesture I requested him to drop the cigarette or move to a smoking area outside of the shopping mall, but he refused to do so,” Sharppan’s written statement reads.
The physical conflict occurred when the man attempted to push Sharppan on the chest and Sharppan pushed the man back, causing the man to fall and injure his wrist.
According to a medical report, the man was diagnosed with a minor injury to the wrist. The man later reported to police and Sharppan was arrested at his home in Futian.
Spending 14 days at the detention center, Sharppan said he felt that he had been unfairly treated because he was trying to protect his family from being harmed by secondhand smoke.
Shenzhen has imposed a smoking ban since March 1, 2014, prohibiting smoking in public places in the city.
The expatriate community in Shenzhen has diverse opinions towards the smoking ban.
“I am a big supporter of banning smoking everywhere,” said German Mandy Seibold. “I don’t see anyone controlling [it], but I see signs, and more and more people don’t smoke in indoor public places.”
Seibold said the government should improve public knowledge about the ban.
Chris Edwards from Australia said such a ban was a good idea, but ultimately it will only be effective if it is enforced. “These bans are best in other countries where [there are] large fines for breaking the law and there is a high risk of being caught,” he said.
But some people disagree.
A Belgian identifying himself as Ronny said banning smoking destroys businesses like restaurants and pubs.
“I am not in favor of the law as it is discriminating against smokers,” said Ronny.
“I believe there are more useful laws that serve the public interest and don’t hurt economy and businesses,” he said.
A public WeChat account with the ID “szkyws” allows residents to post pictures of people smoking in public places to report violations, but the WeChat account is only available in Chinese.
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