The case of Lei Yang – the Beijing man who mysteriously died while in police custody last month – has caused a lot of public outcry and speculation as to what really happened. On Wednesday, nearly one month after his death, prosecutors in the capital announced that five officers are now being investigated in the case, The New York Times reports.
READ MORE: Truth Demanded After Beijing Man Dies in Police Custody
Lei was detained by police on the night of May 7 for allegedly soliciting a prostitute at a foot massage parlor. The 29 year old died in a Beijing hospital later that night, but the reason for his death remains a mystery. The incident has received worldwide attention, causing many to speculate that this could be a case of police brutality.
The five police officers under investigation are all from the Changping District, where the incident took place.
According to a statement released by the Changping district public security bureau last month, Lei was spotted leaving a foot massage parlor at 9.14pm on May 7. Police arrested him for allegedly soliciting a prostitute. According to officers, Lei resisted arrest, bit an officer and destroyed a hand-held camera. Lei then reportedly escaped from the police car but was caught by officers at 9.45pm. He was then taken to the hospital at 10.05pm, where he died at 10.55pm.
According to police, Lei suffered a heart attack while in custody. However, family members claim that upon viewing his body they noticed numerous bruises on his head and arms.
His family filed a formal complaint with the municipal prosecution’s office on May 17, alleging police misconduct and abuse. They are hoping that the investigation into the conduct of these five officers will shed some light on what actually happened that night.
[Image via The Guardian]
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