This paper summarizes the recent AI report “Torture in China” (ASA 17/55/92, 9 December). It highlights cases of torture described in that report, namely: Liu Gang, a physics graduate and student leader in Beijing during the 1989 protests; the alleged torture of Chen Zhuman, a farmer from Putian county reportedly arrested for joining a Christian group; alleged torture of prisoners in the Tibet Autonomous Region, e.g. the case of Laba Dunzhu, who died in November 1991; and alleged torture in Hunan province, e.g. political prisoners Yu Zhijian and Yu Dongyue. Also highlighted are aspects of the justice system which facilitate torture, such as lack of safeguards and failure to prosecute torturers. Photos of electric truncheons, handcuffs, etc. are appended.
