Anger online over death of Chinese coronavirus doctor

This combination of pictures created on February 7, 2020 shows undated photos obtained on February 7, 2020 of Chinese doctor Li Wenliang whose death was confirmed on February 7 at the Wuhan Central Hospital, China. The death of the ophthalmologist whose early warnings about China's new coronavirus outbreak were suppressed by the police has unleashed a wave of anger at the government's handling of the crisis -- and bold demands for more freedom.

Dr Li Wenliang, the Chinese doctor reprimanded for warning against a “SARS-like” coronavirus before it was officially recognised died of the illness on Friday, triggering online expressions of anger at the government and fuelling suspicions of censorship. The death of Li Wenliang, 34, came as Chinese President Xi Jinping told the United States that China was doing all it could to contain the virus after earlier assuring the World Health Organization (WHO) of full openness and transparency.

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in Geneva warned of a worldwide shortage of gowns, masks and other protective equipment. “For the last two days there had been fewer reported infections in China, which is good news, but we caution against reading too much into that,” he told the WHO Executive Board. “The numbers could go up again.”

Dr Li’s social media warnings of a new “SARS-like” coronavirus — a reference to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, which killed almost 800 people around the world in 2002-2003 after originating in China — angered police.

Dr Li was forced to sign a letter on January 3, saying he had “severely disrupted social order” and was threatened with charges.

A selfie taken by Dr Li Wenliang, 34, lying on a hospital bed this week wearing an oxygen respirator and holding up his Chinese identification card was shared widely online.

“We deeply mourn the death of Wuhan doctor Li Wenliang ... After all-effort rescue, Li passed away,” the ruling Communist Party’s People’s Daily said on Twitter. Social media users called Li a hero, accusing authorities of incompetence. “Wuhan indeed owes Li Wenliang an apology,” Hu Xijin, editor of the government-backed Global Times tabloid, said on social media. “Wuhan and Hubei officials also owe a solemn apology to the people of Hubei and this country.” Li’s death was a “tragic reminder” of how China’s preoccupation with maintaining stability drives it to suppress vital information, Nicholas Bequelin, Southeast Asia regional director for Amnesty International said.