China orders investigation into petitioner's death

The State Bureau for Letters and Calls is investigating the death of a petitioner in southwest China's Sichuan Province, according to an official statement on Thursday.

In August this year, Yang Tianzhi, 68, from Yuechi County in Sichuan, was tricked and taken away by several people near the reception area of the Beijing bureau where he had gone to file a petition. Yang was allegedly taken back to Sichuan against his will and died afterwards.

The Bureau has described the case a "serious criminal offense" and ordered the Sichuan bureau to investigate.

No organization nor any individual is allowed to hinder citizens from filing legitimate petitions and once identified, obstructionists can be severely punished.

The bureau has written to its local offices nationwide, requiring them to pay due attention such illegal behavior. Endi