Death of Yu Zhou

Who is Death of Yu Zhou?

Yu Zhou was a Chinese folk musician and Falun Gong practitioner who died in police custody in February 2008, at the age of 42. Ten days before his death, traffic police stopped the professional musician in Beijing for speeding on the way home from a concert. After they found Falun Gong paraphernalia in his car, authorities detained Yu, along with his wife, who had previously been imprisoned for her association with Falun Gong.

According to authorities, Yu Zhou's condition deteriorated in detention as a result of a hunger strike or a complication stemming from his diabetes. His family said he did not have diabetes, and instead contends that he was killed as a result of mistreatment in custody. Yu Zhou's lawyer said they believe he may have been beaten to death, but because authorities refused to permit an autopsy, evidence could not be collected.

Yu Zhou's death was cited by international press and advocacy groups as evidence of the Chinese government's continued suppression of Falun Gong. It was also noted an example of the government's efforts to suppress domestic opposition groups immediately preceding the 2008 Summer Olympic games in Beijing.