International pianist Li Yundi is named by police in Beijing as suspect in prostitution case
The pianist confessed to the illegal activity, alleged the Beijing police
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Famed international pianist Li Yundi has reportedly been detained in Beijing for alleged involvement in prostitution.
While the police in their post on Weibo did not identify Li by his full name, state media, including People’s Daily, confirmed the identity of the suspect as the pianist, reported Reuters. Beijing Chaoyang District police on Thursday said that they caught a woman surnamed Chen and a man surnamed Li, adding that the two have been placed under administrative detention in accordance with law.
The 39-year-old and a sex worker, 29 have also confessed to the illegal activity, alleged police in the post.
While the police department did not provide further information on the arrests made, it made another post along with a picture of a piano keyboard and said: "The world is indeed more than black and white, but it’s important to distinguish and draw a clear line between black and white, which cannot go wrong.”
The circumstances of his arrest or the punishment that he may face, however, is unclear at the moment. Li and his representatives have also so far not issued a statement.
Following the police notice, the official China Musicians Association also announced its decision to expel Li from the organisation, reported the Associated Press.
Jerome Cohen, a New York University law professor who specialises in the Chinese legal system, told The New York Times that the lack of transparency in the case is problematic as he raised concerns about China’s government using the charges of prostitution against political opponents.
“Can one be confident that the facts alleged are true?” Professor Cohen was quoted as saying. “Prostitution is such a time-honoured Communist Party claim against political opponents that one has to be suspicious of this case.”
Li, 39, began playing piano as a small child and studied in China and Germany and gained international fame for winning the Frederic Chopin international piano competition at the age of 18. He has since toured the world and recorded frequently, making him one of China’s best-known international artists.
Additional reporting from the wires
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments