Chapter 767: Aftermath Turmoil
The public opinion on the case won’t subside in a short time.
Since it involves juvenile crime, it’s unlikely that the trial process will be open to the public.
Additionally, the case is quite severe and has a significant impact, so the Criminal Investigation Team has been extremely cautious, and the same care is necessary during the prosecution and trial phases.
Legal provisions need to be carefully considered, whether there should be lenient sentencing or harsh penalties, and multiple opinions must be sought.
Lu Chuan has heard that some people in the court are racking their brains over this case.
Of course, the actual trial date will surely be postponed; it won’t enter the trial phase so quickly—at least three months to half a year is required.
Moreover, during this period, there might be a need for cooperation between the Criminal Investigation Team.
Meanwhile, some discordant voices have appeared on the internet.
Some people are deliberately spreading rumors.
High-tech Zone Sub-bureau, Chen Weiguo’s office.
"Director Jiang just called, asking us to prepare for an interview."
Chen Weiguo poured a glass of water for Lu Chuan: "There are many rumors online, such as the burial pit being several meters deep, and that it’s impossible for three kids to dig that deep in a short time, so there must be adults involved."
"We need to use this interview to disclose the truth and prevent the public from misunderstanding and causing a bigger public opinion storm."
Lu Chuan certainly has no objections.
Lately, he has also seen some online rumors about the case on many short videos.
The focus is mainly on conspiracy theories, such as whether the forensic examination by the police was fair and reasonable, whether there were any collusions with the families of the suspects, and whether there were adults involved apart from the three juvenile suspects.
Such rumors keep surfacing from time to time.
Some villagers from Nanwa Village, just to grab attention and gain traffic, have even taken the opportunity to sensationalize this matter.
They intentionally dug pits in other greenhouses to prove that the three kids couldn’t possibly dig a pit as deep as mentioned online.
But the actual depth of the burial pit was not deep, just about 60 centimeters.
Although the ground in the greenhouse is relatively hard and digging a pit is quite laborious, the three suspects had premeditated this.
They started digging a week earlier and dug again on the day of the crime to bury the person.
"I understand, we’ll start preparing when I go back today."
Lu Chuan knew that if there’s an interview, he, as the captain of the Criminal Investigation Team, who has been on the front line, would definitely appear on camera.
If necessary, two or three criminal investigators or a forensic doctor might accompany him.
"This matter is urged from above, but I’ve also pointed out that it requires cross-departmental review. After you return, organize the case materials and address the public’s concerns online."
"Submit the drafted texts to me, and let the Legal Department review them."
"Once approved by the Political Work Department of the Municipal Bureau, we can accept the interview."
Lu Chuan expressed full understanding for this.
When accepting interviews, they must stick to the facts and say what’s true, but the way it’s said, the choice of words, is crucial.
After receiving the tasks, Lu Chuan quickly returned to the Criminal Investigation Team.
On the way, Lu Chuan called Lu Zhiguo to organize a meeting with the three squad leaders and some core personnel involved in handling the case in the conference room.
Ten minutes later.
Criminal Investigation Team conference room.
Lu Chuan briefed everyone about Chen Weiguo’s requests.
"Everyone must take this matter seriously. If not handled well, it could lead to an even bigger public opinion crisis."
The attendees weren’t novices. Although they hadn’t encountered such impactful cases before, they’ve heard about them online and seen them on TV dramas.
If not handled properly, the subsequent impact would be unimaginable.
Meanwhile, at the Haizhou City Radio New Media Business Department.
"The city attaches great importance to this matter. The main leaders have given strict orders to send out the most accurate public opinion signals as soon as possible to quell the public opinion impact."
Liao Kai, the head of the station, personally came to the New Media Business Department to arrange work.
In recent years, the development of new media business has been extremely swift, and the importance of the New Media Business Department in any broadcasting station is becoming increasingly prominent.
A strong and competent New Media Business Department significantly contributes to the broadcasting station.
But a mediocre New Media Business Department might not even manage basic public opinion suppression or guidance.
The New Media Business Department of Haizhou City Radio ranks among the top three in the province.
The several promotional accounts they operate have a total of over 2 million followers.
In terms of official new media, especially at the municipal level, this is quite commendable.
After all, they can’t just post jokes or push boundaries for traffic; it’s not easy to gather so many followers with positive videos.
"Minister Li, share your thoughts."
Li Xin, Deputy Minister of the New Media Business Department.
Ten years ago, she was just a temporary hire, but due to her outstanding new media operation skills, she transitioned to a permanent position.
Now, she’s the Deputy Minister of the New Media Business Department, specializing in the operation of new media accounts.
"Director, my thought is to adhere to the truth and launch a frontal counterattack!"
In fact, Li Xin received this task last night.
Upon receiving the task, Li Xin immediately realized it was a huge opportunity!
The case in Nanwa Village has garnered significant online attention, with millions commenting daily on various new media platforms.
As far as Li Xin knows, despite implementing some traffic restrictions, many new media influencers and emerging accounts are still posting related videos.
With over a decade of new media operation experience, Li Xin fully understands the current new media operating trends.
This kind of thing can’t be stopped; the more you block it, the faster it ferments, and the more astounding the resultant energy explosion.
So rather than letting the opposition develop, it’s better to guide it correctly, rather than blocking and preventing them from speaking, it’s better to actively voice out and seize the initiative.
If this matter is handled well, Haizhou City’s broadcasting and television new media account will attract a large following.
Currently, the most followed account Li Xin manages has 1.8 million followers.
If this account is used for guidance... Li Xin thinks that if it’s effective, breaking through two or even three million is possible.
Of course, every opportunity comes with its risks.
The greater the opportunity, the greater the risk.
If the interview fails to grasp the public’s key concerns, and fails, then...
Li Xin knows, she might as well pack her bags and leave.
In fact, just being able to leave would be considered lucky.