Law reopens debate on detention houses

Ministry moves to prevent torture, protect rights, but legal experts call for shake-up

Almost a decade ago, police in Yunnan province reported that an inmate at a detention house had died during a game of hide-and-seek. Li Qiaoming, a suspected tree thief, had actually been beaten to death by fellow inmates.

The incident in February 2009 outraged the public and led to questions over the management at such facilities, which are used to hold criminal suspects and people convicted of minor offenses.