Qin Zhanfeng and other eight people who died trying to stop criminals or help others in emergencies have been honored by the Chinese government for their bravery.

Their awards were among 57 acts of heroism honored by Luo Gan, a member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Political Bureau.

Public security Minister Zhou Yongkang delivered a speech at a gathering on Monday, where their heroic stories were told to audiences.

Qin Zhanfeng, a 19-year-old student of the Capital Economic and Trade University in Beijng, was stabbed to death on April 29, 2005 when he saw three thieves stealing and intervened in Fengtai District. The three assailants were caught later.

The minister spoke highly of the Chinese people's traditional virtues of helping others, advocating justice and assisting those in danger and need.

He urged media and local governments to publicize the stories of these heroic people and severely punish any criminals.

Source: Xinhua