Angry reader detained for hitting author

Li Chengpeng, a prominent writer and analyst, was attacked during a book promotion appearance at Zhongguancun Book Store in Haidian district Sunday afternoon.

Police have detained the suspect, surnamed Yin, from Shandong Province.

Yin slapped Li on his face as Li was signing his new book, Everyone in the World Knows at 5 pm, allegedly because he disagreed with the book's contents, Beijing police announced via Sina microblog.

The book is a collection of Li's essays in which he is critical of the country and appeals for human dignity.

Dong Xiaofan, who was at the bookstore, told the Global Times that he saw a man rushing toward Li and loudly abusing him.

Li could not be reached by press time Sunday, and he did not respond to this incident on his Sina microblog.

Shi Shusi, a social commentator, told the Global Times that despite the incident, the episode reflects that society is allowing more opinions.

"The publication of Li's book is social progress as he often sharply criticizes society," Shi said.

"Society needs different opinions, and also it should ensure those who hold them have an equal opportunity to communicate them," he noted.

He suggested society should punish people like Yin who infringe the expression of different opinions.