China's top court has underscored the importance of protecting people's right to reputation in cyberspace, urging judges to take a firm stance against online misconduct among fan groups and to encourage rational support for celebrities.

中国最高人民法院强调了保护公民网络名誉权的重要性，敦促法官对粉丝群体中的网络不当行为采取坚决立场，并鼓励理性追星。

In a case disclosed on Monday, the Supreme People's Court highlighted chaotic online behavior such as verbal abuse, inciting conflict and spreading rumors within highly organized fan circles known as fanquan. The court said these erratic actions, which have triggered frequent public complaints, should be strictly addressed under the Civil Code.

在周一披露的一起案件中，最高人民法院强调了在组织严密的粉丝圈（即“粉圈”）中存在的诸如辱骂、煽动冲突和散布谣言等网络乱象。法院表示，这些引发公众投诉的不规范行为应根据《民法典》予以严格处理。

Fan circles are composed of devoted supporters who share information about their idols and voluntarily contribute time, money and skills to boost the popularity of performers, typically pop stars or actors.

粉丝圈由忠实的粉丝组成，他们分享偶像的信息，并自愿贡献时间、金钱和技能来提升艺人（通常是流行歌星或演员）的知名度。

In the disclosed case, a netizen surnamed Wei and three others were fans of different celebrities. After the others posted negative content about Wei's idol online, Wei reported them to the internet regulator.

在披露的案件中，一位姓魏的网友和其他三人是不同明星的粉丝。在其他人在网上发布了关于魏某的偶像的负面内容后，魏某向互联网监管机构举报了他们。

Angered by Wei's actions, the three published additional posts on social media, including ones labeled "suspect Wei", and shared Wei's private photos and links to Wei's Weibo account. Wei filed a lawsuit in a local court.

三人对魏某的行为感到愤怒，在社交媒体上发布了更多帖子，其中包括一些带有“嫌疑人魏某”标签的帖子，并分享了魏某的私人照片及其微博账户链接。魏某向当地法院提起诉讼。

The court ruled that the posts constituted personal insults and infringed on Wei's right to reputation. It ordered the defendants to publicly apologize on their Weibo accounts and keep the apology pinned for one week. The court also awarded Wei compensation for emotional distress.

法院裁定，这些帖子构成人身侮辱，侵犯了魏某的名誉权。法院判令被告在其微博账户上公开道歉，并将道歉声明保留一周。法院还判令其支付精神损害赔偿金。

The top court praised the ruling, saying it clarified that online insults and defamation constitute civil infringements and established clear boundaries for behavior in online fan communities.

最高法院对这项裁决表示赞赏，称其明确了网络侮辱和诽谤构成民事侵权，并为网络粉丝群体的行为设定了明确的界限。

Citing the Civil Code, the court reiterated that no individual or organization may harm another person's reputation through insult or defamation, and victims have the right to seek compensation.

法院援引《民法典》重申，任何个人或组织不得以侮辱、诽谤等方式损害他人名誉，受害者有权寻求赔偿。

"The ruling by the grassroots court will help guide internet users to comment responsibly and contribute to a cleaner online environment," the court said.

法院表示：“基层法院的这项裁决将有助于引导网民理性评论，共建清朗网络环境。”

The Supreme People's Court also released five additional cases on Monday, showcasing efforts to protect public interests and enforce the Civil Code. The cases included rulings on safeguarding the rights of the elderly and addressing workplace sexual harassment.

最高人民法院周一还发布了五起案件，展现了法院在维护公共利益和执行《民法典》方面所做的努力。这些案件包括关于保障老年人权益和解决职场性骚扰问题的判决。

"The release of these cases highlights courts' ongoing efforts to respond to public concerns, improve people's lives and implement the Civil Code rigorously," the top court said.

最高法院表示：“这些案件的发布凸显了法院持续回应公众关切、改善民生和严格实施《民法典》的努力。”

The Civil Code, which took effect in January 2021, is China's first piece of legislation formally titled a "code" and plays a foundational role in regulating civil affairs.

《民法典》于2021年1月生效，是中国第一部正式以“法典”命名的法律，在规范民事事务方面发挥着基础性作用。

defamation

/ˌdefəˈmeɪʃn/

n.诽谤；中伤

infringement

/ɪnˈfrɪndʒmənt/

n.侵犯；违背

distress

/dɪˈstres/

n.痛苦；悲伤

grassroots court

基层法院