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BEIJING - A Chinese judge charged with corruption died in his cell from "adult sudden death syndrome", a law enforcement official has claimed.
Investigators said Li Chaoyang, 38, had been unco-operative while in detention in Xing'an county in southwestern China.
"Cuts on his face and other injuries" had been caused by a fall during an escape attempt, they said.
Li was detained on March 23, accused of taking bribes.
Shi Shaosen, head of the Guilin municipal law enforcement supervisory section and chief investigator in the case, said he was not maltreated.
"Li Chaoyang's sudden death conforms with adult sudden death syndrome," said Shi, citing a forensic report.
Li's relatives said there were wounds on his body, a gash across his lip and a front tooth was missing.
The investigation found that Li had been "mentally unstable", would not stop shouting and refused to return to his cell after exercise. Investigators said Li had attempted to escape many times and detention centre officials had had to shackle him.
"The investigation proves Li Chaoyang's case was handled according to legal procedures and strictly according to the law," Shi was quoted as saying.
- REUTERS
