Celebrities who (endorse) fake or substandard pharmaceutical products will face criminal and civil liability.
It's stipulated in a (judicial) interpretation that takes effect Wednesday in China.
According to the Supreme People's Court, if these people know the (nature) of fake and inferior drugs but still help promote them, they will be (dealt) with as accomplices of producers and dealers of the products.
The latest judicial move has immediately (sparked) heated online debate.The China Daily reports that most netizens applaud the efforts.But many also focus on the (fact) that celebrities need to be aware of the dubious nature of the products they are endorsing before they can be made liable for (punishment).
Some (doubted) anyone would confess that they willingly endorsed fake and substandard products.Others say if no one makes such a (confession), no celebrity will be suitably punished,and the law will be meaningless.
A law professor with Renmin University of China, suggests that judicial departments make such judgments (based on) common sense.
He also proposes some celebrities face (civil) and even criminal liability if the fake drugs they helped promote have a serious (impact) on consumers.
The media, such as newspapers and TV stations are also (urged to) take more responsibilities in this aspect.
Question)
1. Should celebrities be liable for promoting fake medicine?
2. What should celebrities pay attention to when they do as a spokesman?
