(CNN) -- In a case that has drawn widespread attention from Chinese Internet users, a woman escaped punishment for fatally stabbing a local official and injuring another in self-defense, state-run media reported.
The case unleashed an outpouring of sympathy from many in China, who have been outraged by abuses of power and who see the Internet as a means to voice outrage and push for changes.
Deng Yujiao was spared Tuesday by a court that cited self-defense; her surrender to police; and her limited ability to take responsibility, state-run media reported.
The court in Hubei province's Badong County based the latter factor on her manic depression, the reports said.
The case stems from May 10, when three officials entertained themselves at a bathhouse and tried to force Deng to prostitute herself, according to state-run media reports that cited police statements. On feeling threatened with rape, Deng attacked the officials with a fruit knife, killing one and wounding his colleague, according to the reports.
Media reports differed on what the court ruling meant: The Xinhua news agency did not include the word "guilty" in its report.
China Daily newspaper said she was found guilty of intentional assault but not penalized.
The incident has cost the wounded man his job and his Communist Party membership, and another colleague his job, Xinhua said.
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