A MAN was charged by Long-hua District People’s Procuratorate for raping a minor, the Shenzhen Evening News reported Monday.

According to the News, the man, surnamed Li, had been romantically involved with a girl, identified as Zhong, since 2018. Although Li learned from Zhong’s mother that Zhong was younger than 14 years old, Li ignored the request of Zhong’s mother to end the romantic relationship with the girl.

Li also maintained a sexual relationship with Zhong even though he was aware that a sexual relationship with a minor constitutes the crime of rape.

Zhong’s mother called the police after seeing her daughter and Li were still dating.

Li told the prosecutors that he felt ashamed and said he thought it would have been fine as long as Zhong kept silent.

The prosecutors said if a man is having a sexual relationship with young girls under the age of 14 years old, whether it is voluntary or not, the man will be charged with rape. The law is to protect young girls.

(Wang Jingli)