By M.E. Dodge
Impunity Watch Reporter, Asia
ZHENGZHOU, China – After a man died suddenly while being questioned in Henan Province, a Chinese police chief was ordered to resign and a deputy chief was fired after allocations that they were responsible for his death while in custody.
According to state media, Wang Yanhui died while being detained by officials over alleged theft. The death occurred three days after Wang’s arrest while police were conducting an interrogation. Wang’s family came to identify his body, and they reacted immediately upon finding that his body was appeared battered showing signs of injury. Their concern led to suspicion of abuse, which fuelled public anger, as there had been a series of reports of torture and deaths of people in police detention.
Wang’s family released several photographs of him showing that Wang’s back and arms were covered with large bruises and scars. A hole was found in his head. His nipples were cut off and his genitals showed notable traces of injury.
In responding to the incident, authorities have confined four police officers involved in the interrogation, according to the local police bureau.
Qin Yuhai, director-general of the Henan public security department, told the Beijing News that the department would, “thoroughly investigate the problems in law enforcement and severely punish the violators.”
Even before Wang’s death, the government had already launched a nationwide campaign to crack down on illegal activities in prisons and detention centers. For instance, last April, China launched a campaign to “eliminate unnatural deaths” among detainees and prison inmates. Presently, these efforts are being stepped-up. According to Beijing News, there will be various penalties which are already in place, any they will actually implemented and imposed on violators. Other changes are also being considered.
Early last week, the Ministry of Public Security issued new guidelines to regulate the operation of detention centers. The revised rules require strict supervision of law enforcement officers and call for greater protection of detainees’ legal rights.
For more information, please see:
Shanghai Daily – China police ordered to resign – 1 March 2010
Global Times – Another suspect suddenly dies in custody – 1 March 2010
China Daily – Police chief ordered to resign after inmate death – 1 March 2010
BBC News – China police ordered to resign over detainee ‘torture’ – 1 March 2010
