CHINA TOPIX

03/29/2024 09:50:10 am

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Suicide Rate Among Corrupt Communist Party Officials on the Rise

Suicide Rate Among Corrupt Communist Party Officials  On The Rise

(Photo : Reuters) Suicide rate among communist party officials are on the rise

The suicide rate is on the rise in China, which mostly involve Communist Party officials under investigation for corruption.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has launched a massive anti-corruption campaign last year among government officials in a bid to eradicate corruption, which has been entrenched among the party and government officials for decades.

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Although data are incomplete, reports claimed that the suicide rate among the members of the party may be 30% above the rest of the general public.

According to experts, the high suicide rate is due to the pressure of the president's anti-corruption drive.

Dong Xuegang, a 51-year old official in the city of Yuncheng, Sanxi, was being investigated for corruption when he  jumped to his death from his 9th floor window on Sept. 14, leaving his wife and child.

Dong was questioned by investigators the night before, in which he was interrogated over the alleged bribes he received from real estate agents and that he reportedly bribed his superior for a promotion.

Reports said Xi vowed zero tolerance on corruption among officials and warned that he will not let anyone go scot-free and will run after these officials wherever they may be.

China's state media continue to support the campaign by reporting daily on the arrests, prosecution, trial, and sentences of those who have been allegedly caught and found guilty of corruption.

Moreover, the Communist Party reportedly does not feel regret over the suicides saying that Xi's campaign is a "life and death" battle that must be fought to bring back the integrity of the party itself. 

Gao Quinrong, a journalist who spent 8 years in jail after exposing corruption by a local chief, said that Xi's anti-corruption drive is working.

Gao said that although death is a more terrifying prospect for these officials, they are more afraid of losing their wealth and integrity.

About 60 party officials are now in jail for corruption charges.

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