Heywood lawyer adds new twist ahead of Bo Xilai trial
He says media statement on compensation deal was not issued by family of murdered Briton
A mainland lawyer representing the family of a British businessman whose murder triggered the downfall of former Politburo member Bo Xilai yesterday disputed the authenticity of a statement reportedly issued by the Briton's mother, three days ahead of Bo's open trial.
He Zhengsheng , the lawyer who said he was hired by Neil Heywood's family, wrote on his verified Sina Weibo account that the statement issued recently "in some individual media" on the compensation deal over the murder case "contradicted the existing facts and was misleading the public".
Last week The Wall Street Journal carried a statement it said was issued by Ann Heywood, Neil's mother, who urged the Chinese authorities to show "decisiveness and compassion" over the family's request to seek financial compensation to ensure the well-being of Neil Heywood's two children.
Ann, breaking her silence for the first time since her son was poisoned by Bo's wife, Gu Kailai , two years ago, said in the statement she was disappointed that the authorities had so far failed to give them any substantial response despite the family's "repeated discreet approaches".
"The statement was not released by the family of Neil Heywood," said He in a phone interview with the South China Morning Post, adding that negotiations between lawyers for Heywood and Gu were continuing.
