Fact Check: Zou received a life sentence with a minimum of 24 years in prison.

Fact Check: "Zou received a life sentence with a minimum of 24 years in prison."

What We Know

Zhenhao Zou, a 28-year-old Chinese Ph.D. student, was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 24 years for drugging and raping ten women in both the UK and China. His crimes were committed between September 2019 and May 2023, and he was convicted during a trial at Inner London Crown Court. The judge, Rosina Cottage, described Zou as a "very bright young man" who used a "manipulative 'charming mask'" to conceal his predatory behavior (BBC, Washington Post).

During the trial, evidence was presented that Zou had filmed some of the assaults and kept a "trophy box" of his victims' belongings. He was convicted on multiple counts, including 11 counts of rape, three counts of voyeurism, and other related offenses (New York Times, AP News).

Analysis

The claim that Zhenhao Zou received a life sentence with a minimum of 24 years in prison is supported by multiple credible sources. The sentencing details were reported by major news outlets, including the BBC, New York Times, and Washington Post, all of which confirm the life sentence and the minimum term (BBC, New York Times, Washington Post).

The judge's remarks during sentencing highlight the severity of Zou's actions and the calculated nature of his crimes, which adds to the credibility of the reports. Furthermore, the ongoing investigation into additional victims, with at least 24 women coming forward post-trial, underscores the significant impact of Zou's actions (AP News, Reuters).

While some sources may vary slightly in their reporting of the details, the core facts regarding the life sentence and minimum term are consistent across all major news platforms, indicating a high level of reliability.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that Zhenhao Zou received a life sentence with a minimum of 24 years in prison is accurate. This conclusion is supported by multiple reputable sources that confirm the details of his sentencing and the nature of his crimes.

Sources

1. Student who raped 10 women jailed for 24 years
2. Student Who Filmed Himself Raping at Least 10 Women Is Given Life Sentence
3. A Chinese Ph.D. student is sentenced to at least 24 years ...
4. Chinese PhD student sentenced for raping multiple women | AP News
5. Chinese student jailed for 24 years for raping women in UK ...
6. Former PhD student Zhenhao Zou is jailed for at least 24 ...
7. Chinese student who drugged and raped 10 women in UK and China ...
8. Serial rapist Zhenhao Zou jailed for minimum of 24 years