More Information on the 2002 Death of Mr. Wang Jingyi

Mr. Wang Jingyi was arrested and sentenced to five years in prison in August 2002, because he practised Falun Gong. Shortly after he was transferred to Huazi Prison in September, Mr. Wang died suddenly. He was 56 years old and in good health.

Prison officials notified his family through the local police that he had died of an illness. However, when his family visited him a few days before his death, he showed no signs of being ill. It is strongly suspected that Mr. Wang died as a result of torture or other abuse in custody.

Body Quickly Cremated and Son Ordered to Sign a Police Statement

When Mr. Wang's family heard about his death, they went to the prison to see his remains. They noticed that he was emaciated and had needle marks on his arms. Prison officials had changed his clothes already and wanted to have him cremated immediately. His family was paid 2,000 yuan¹ as compensation. Although they felt that something was amiss, they did not dare ask questions.

On the day of Mr. Wang's funeral, prison officials arrived in a car, but they did not enter his home. Mr. Wang's son was called out to meet them at a place far away. They threatened him, ordering him to sign paperwork stating that Mr. Wang died as a result of an illness. His son had to sign it.

Arrest and Sentencing

Mr. Wang Jingyi was a resident of Dongxigou Village, Zhaotun Township, Wafangdian City, Liaoning Province. He began to practise Falun Gong in 1998 and his long-term illness disappeared. He was able to work in the fields again and his family was happy.

When the persecution of Falun Gong began in July 1999, Mr. Wang informed people about Falun Gong and the persecution. He was reported to the authorities by village officials on March 1st, 2001, when he hung up a banner about Falun Gong. Four officers from the Zhaotun Township Police Station, including the director, arrested Mr. Wang, his wife, and their daughter Ms. Wang Yueqin. They were all detained in the Wafangdian Detention Centre.

Mr. Wang's wife was released 15 days later. In August 2002, he was sentenced to five years in prison and his daughter was sentenced to four years. When his family met with him and his daughter in the detention centre after the sentencing, they were both in good health.

Mr. Wang was taken to Wafangdian Prison and later transferred to Huazi Prison. His family was notified and asked to visit him a few days later. When his family visited him on September 10th, he was still in good health.

Eleven days later prison officials notified his family through local police officers that he had died of an illness. His daughter was not notified of her father's death while she was in Dabei Prison in Shenyang.

Summary of Key Persecution Facts:
Name: Wang Jingyi (王景义)
Gender: Male
Age: 56
Address: Dongxigou Village, Zhaotun Township, Wafangdian
Occupation: Farmer
Date of Death: September 2002
Date of Most Recent Arrest: March 1st, 2001
Most Recent Place of Detention: Huazi Prison (铧子监狱)
City: Wafangdian
Province: Liaoning
Persecution Suffered: detention

Note

1. "Yuan" is the Chinese currency; 500 yuan is equal to the average monthly income of an urban worker in China.