Anger online over death of Chinese coronavirus doctor

Li was reprimanded by police after raising alarm

Published: February 08, 2020 10:23 Reuters

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Doctor Li Wenliang 01 — 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. Image Credit: AFP

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20200204_Coronavirus_doctor — 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. Image Credit: Social Media

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Li Wenliang — 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.” Image Credit: Washington Post

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Dr Li’s social media 01 — 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. Image Credit: New York Times

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

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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. Image Credit: Social Media

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