In death as in life, Li Rui, aide to Mao turned critic of China’s Communist Party, makes cadres uncomfortable
- Shrouded in flag of the party, one of its most vocal opponents makes last journey at Babaoshan in stage-managed and censored ceremony his daughter chose to spurn
The official funeral of Li Rui, Mao Zedong’s former secretary turned Communist Party critic, took place amid tight security on Wednesday, with no biography pamphlets, no media access and no banner to announce whose life was being commemorated.
Li’s funeral was held at Babaoshan Revolutionary Cemetery in Beijing’s western suburb – China’s equivalent of Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia – where many senior Chinese party officials choose to be laid to rest.
The ceremony was conducted with secrecy and security rarely seen at such events. Unlike protocols for most funerals at Babaoshan, no banner with Li’s name was placed outside the mourning hall. Instead, a noticeboard warned “no photographs allowed”.
No official obituaries were given to mourners, while journalists from overseas media were ushered away by unidentified individuals.
“You are with the South China [Morning Post],” said one man, who recognised a reporter in the line outside the memorial hall. “This is an official event and not open to media. Leave now.”