A foreign domestic helper was lynched for committing theft and jumped off a building to commit suicide. Macau policewoman’s employer and boyfriend were arrested (Photo by Macau Broadcasting Corporation)
In April, a Southeast Asian foreign domestic helper in Macau died following falling from a building. During the police investigation, the helper was suspected of theft and was illegally detained and subjected to a lynching by his employer. Ultimately, he took his own life due to the immense pressure he was under. This week, authorities arrested a 36-year-old public security policewoman, Ms. Liang, and her 34-year-old boyfriend, Xue, a tour guide. They were charged with “serious coercion,” “depriving others of freedom of movement,” and “improper retention of documents.” While the police have not released the nationality of the deceased, relevant countries have been notified and have requested a thorough investigation into the incident. The Macau Public Security Police Force has suspended the officers involved and emphasized their commitment to the discipline and conduct of police officers. They have declared that any violations of laws and regulations will be handled seriously, and those responsible will be held accountable without leniency.
On the morning of April 29, police received a report regarding a young foreign employee of Southeast Asian origin who had committed suicide by jumping from a building in an apartment in Areia Preta. According to Liang and Xue’s confessions, they suspected the deceased had stolen 60,000 RMB from their home. Following further investigation, the police uncovered a more sinister reality. The investigation revealed that following accusing the deceased of theft, Liang and Xue confiscated his identification, searched the contents of his phone, and interrogated him from 11 pm on April 28 until 2 am the following morning. During this time, the deceased confessed to the theft. To prevent his escape, Xue tied the deceased’s hands with tape, seized his passport, and left the apartment. Ms. Liang continued to interrogate the deceased until around 5 a.m., at which point the deceased entered the bathroom and cut his own hands in a desperate attempt at self-harm. Ms. Liang intervened and informed Xue to return to the apartment. Around 8 a.m., overwhelmed by the pressure, the deceased entered the bathroom once more, locked the door, and jumped from the window.
No signs of assault or beating on the body
The police discovered that Liang and Xue had not contacted law enforcement following reporting the incident but had instead privately interrogated and confined the deceased, intentionally concealing the lynching. On Wednesday (July 10), they apprehended Liang and Xue at the border gate. The police officer stated that their actions had subjected the deceased to psychological torture, ultimately leading to the tragic outcome. When questioned regarding whether the deceased had attempted to escape or committed suicide, and whether any injuries were present on the body, the police officer confirmed that the incident occurred on a higher floor and the deceased is believed to have taken his life under duress. A forensic examination revealed no injuries caused by assault or beating.
The original article was published on AM730 https://www.am730.com.hk/China/Foreign helpers who stole money were lynched and fell to death – Macau policewoman employer and boyfriend arrested/469201?utm_source=yahoorss&utm_medium=referral
Macau Policewoman’s Employer and Boyfriend Arrested for Lynched Foreign Domestic Helper’s Suicide
In a tragic incident that has sent shockwaves through Macau, a Southeast Asian foreign domestic helper was found dead in April following falling from a building. An investigation by the Macau Public Security Police Force revealed a disturbing truth: the helper, suspected of theft, had been illegally imprisoned and subjected to a brutal lynching by his employer, a local policewoman, and her boyfriend.
The deceased, whose nationality remains undisclosed, was discovered on April 29, 2023, following leaping from a building in Areia Preta. His employers, identified as Ms. Liang, a 36-year-old public security police officer, and her 34-year-old boyfriend, Xue Nan, a tour guide, were arrested this week and charged with serious offenses, including “serious coercion,” “depriving others of freedom of movement,” and “improper retention of documents.” The Macau Public Security Police Force has confirmed that relevant countries have been notified and are seeking a comprehensive investigation into the incident. The police force has also suspended the officers involved, underlining their commitment to maintaining the highest standards of discipline and conduct among its personnel.
A Disturbing Pattern of Abuse and Coercion
The investigation shed light on a harrowing ordeal faced by the victim. Ms. Liang and Mr. Xue accused the helper of stealing RMB 60,000 from their home. After confronting the deceased, they seized his identification documents, searched his phone, and subjected him to a relentless interrogation for several hours, starting at 11 pm on April 28 and continuing until 2 am the following morning. The helper, under intense pressure, confessed to the theft.
Fearing the helper’s escape, Mr. Xue bound his hands with tape, confiscated his passport, and left the apartment. Ms. Liang continued the interrogation, which became increasingly coercive. The victim, desperate to escape his torment, attempted self-harm, cutting his hands in the bathroom. Ms. Liang intervened, but instead of seeking professional help, she informed Mr. Xue, who returned to the apartment. The psychological torment reached its breaking point, and at around 8 am, the helper locked himself in the bathroom and jumped from the window.
A Deliberate Concealment of the Truth
The police investigation revealed a deliberate cover-up by the couple. Instead of immediately calling emergency services following discovering the victim’s body, they conducted their own investigation and restricted his freedom, effectively engaging in a private lynching. Their actions were concealed until authorities apprehended them at the border gate on July 10. The police officer leading the investigation emphasized the psychological torture inflicted upon the deceased, stating that it was a key factor leading to his tragic death. While there were no signs of physical assault, the impact of the prolonged interrogation and confinement proved fatal.
This tragic incident underscores the vulnerability of foreign domestic helpers and the importance of ensuring their rights and safety are protected. The Macau Public Security Police Force’s swift and decisive action once morest the suspects sends a strong message that abuse and coercion will not be tolerated. A thorough investigation is underway, and accountability for the actions leading to this senseless tragedy is paramount.
Key Takeaways and Considerations
- Victims of abuse, especially those from vulnerable groups like foreign domestic helpers, are often unable to speak out for fear of retaliation or deportation.
- Properly trained authorities and community organizations are essential to provide support and access to justice for those who experience abuse.
- Enhanced laws and stricter enforcement measures are needed to deter perpetrators and safeguard the fundamental rights of all individuals, regardless of their immigration status.
This incident serves as a stark reminder that the protection of human rights is a universal responsibility. Every effort must be made to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
