A police officer shows the tiger drawing that was used to fake the South China tiger photo. [Photo: Xinhua]

On the 29th of June, the news office of Shannxi province announced that the "South China Tiger" photo was artificially made. The photographer was arrested for forgery and thirteen governmental officials were also punished accordingly. The truth has finally been confirmed after eight months.

Let's follow the media to take a closer look.

An article from Yanzhao Evening News commented that the cost of identifying the "South China Tiger" photo has been too high. The artificial photo has had great negative effects on the whole society in the political, economical, judicial and cultural realms. For instance, the image of an honest government was damaged during the eight months. And a great amount of resources, both in labor and material, have been put into identifying the photo. .

The Beijing News printed a commentary saying the officials involved must be hold responsible for the whole incident. It tries to explore the reasons behind their motive to back up the forged photos. They volunteered to give a reward to the photographer for wanting to gain more benefit from the photo, such as receiving funding to build a natural reserve. The officials have misused their responsibility.
 
Another article from The Beijing News criticized the Shannxi government for wanting to gain fame instead of to tell the truth. But they underestimated the ability of the netizens in identification and scientific knowledge. In fact, the truth can't be concealed.