Only independent investigation will clear suspicions about police

THE DEATH OF LEI YANG, a young man who died after being caught in a vice raid in Changping district, Beijing, continues to make headlines. The police claimed he suffered a heart attack when trying to resist interrogation; but they failed to provide any evidence to support their account. It is time for the prosecutors to intervene, says an editorial on Southern Metropolis Daily:

We do not know whether the police have told the whole truth because they have not provided any evidence to back up their claims. More importantly, even if Lei resisted, that's no excuse for his death while in police custody.

Of course, by answering questions and accepting interviews, the police have shown an open attitude, which is much better than the ostrich policy that authorities often resort to. However, the case should no longer be handled by the police alone.