Nanjing Massacre Survivor Wins Defamation Lawsuit Against Japanese Historians

A woman who survived the infamous Nanjing Massacre has won a defamation lawsuit against two Japanese historians who wrote in two books about the incident that her account, as well as other eyewitness accounts, were fabricated. Xia Shuqin prevailed in her suit over Shudo Higashinakano and Toshio Matsumura and their Japanese publisher, who have been ordered by a Chinese court to stop publishing the two volumes and to recall copies already distributed. The court awarded her about $200,000 U.S. The defendants claim the ruling is not binding since a Japanese court has not heard the case and that the Chinese courts have no jurisdiction. Read more here in an AP story. According to local press coverage, the Japanese defendants have 30 days to appeal. Read more here in a story from the Xinhua News Agency.