Liu Xiaobo's funeral will respect family's wishes; wife's rights will be protected

The arrangements for Liu Xiaobo's funeral will respect the wishes of his family and local customs, with relevant authorities providing assistance if the family requests, China News Service reported on Friday.

Liu Xiaobo was sentenced to 11 years in jail in December 2009 for inciting subversion of State power. He was released on medical parole in June after he was diagnosed with cancer of the liver. He died of multiple organ failure on Thursday at the age of 61.

His wife Liu Xia and several relatives were in attendance when he died, the China News Service report said.

The hospital where he received treatment had done its best to save his life, his main doctor Liu Yunpeng said on Thursday night.

The authorities will protect Liu Xia's legitimate rights and interests as a Chinese citizen, the report stated, adding that as she was still grieving the death of her husband, it would be better to leave her undisturbed to arrange the funeral.