June 7, 2012. Amnesty International has called for a full and independent investigation into the death of veteran labor activist Li Wangyang, whose family and friends dispute the authorities’ initial explanation that he committed suicide.
Amnesty said thousands had signed an online petition within 24 hours. The organization noted that Li had suffered serious health problems after years of imprisonment and that relatives reported finding his body with a cotton noose around his neck while his feet were still touching the ground.
Amnesty urged authorities to take seriously the family’s doubts, clarify whether a full post-mortem would be allowed, and ensure that relatives and friends could seek answers without interference.
The call adds international pressure for an evidence-based inquiry rather than acceptance of an unverified official account.
Source: Amnesty International, June 7, 2012.