CHINESE DIRECTOR FACES $26 MILLION FINE FOR VIOLATING BIRTH LAW

One of China’s most famous film directors, Zhang Yimou, who directed the Beijing Olympics’ opening and closing ceremonies, could be fined millions of dollars for breaking the country’s one-child-per-family law, the state-run China Daily reported today (Tuesday). The English-language newspaper quoted Yao Hongwen, spokesman for the National Health and Family Planning Commission, as saying, “The NHFPC’s attitude towards citizens’ birth violations is consistent and clear … Every Chinese citizen should abide by and safeguard the solemnity of laws and regulations.” Zhang has been accused of fathering seven children, one with his ex-wife, three with his current wife, and another three with two mistresses. China Daily said that Zhang could face a fine of as much as 160 million yuan, about $26 million. It was unclear whether authorities might impose additional sanctions that could affect Zhang’s career.