Cover Story: Personal Freedom Vies With Deterrence in Public Security Law Revamp

On June 15, an 18-year-old Chinese fan of international soccer superstar Lionel Messi made global headlines by running onto the pitch during a match in Beijing to hug his hero. Videos showing him gleefully dodging the security guards in hot pursuit went viral on social media and many praised his act as a liberating moment.

The teenager was later placed under “administrative detention” for six days and banned from entering any stadium to watch similar games for 12 months. The penalty was levied under China’s Public Security Administration Punishments Law for disrupting large cultural and sports events.