China's central authority's decision to investigate Bo Xilai's serious discipline violations and his wife's case shows respect for the rule of law, local officials and civilians said on Friday.

People interviewed by Xinhua's local correspondents across the country said the decision highlights the clear attitude of the Communist Party of China and central government to safeguard the country's laws and the Party's disciplines.

The CPC Central Committee announced a decision Tuesday to suspend Bo's membership on the CPC Central Committee Political Bureau and the CPC Central Committee as he is suspected of being involved in serious discipline violations, and the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection of the CPC would file the case for investigation.

Chinese police also set up a team to reinvestigate the death of British citizen Neil Heywood in Chongqing on Nov 15, 2011. Allegations about the involvement of Bo's family were made by Wang Lijun, Chongqing's former police chief, who visited the US consulate general in Chengdu on Feb 6 without authorization.

According to results of the new investigation, existing evidence indicated that Heywood died of homicide, Bogu Kailai, Bo's wife, and Zhang Xiaojun, an orderly at Bo's home, are highly suspected.

People interviewed by Xinhua agreed that the Wang Lijun incident and Bo Xilai's case have brought adverse effects to the country's image, and the central authority's swift decision embodies its strong will to safeguard the dignity of law.

Liu Jiahui, an attorney with Beijing Derun Law Firm, said the decision fully represents that the socialist country ruled by law does not tolerate any special citizen and "everyone is equal before the law" is more than a slogan.

"Any Party member must not put himself over the law and should always remember that power is entrusted by the people," said Du Yuan, an official with the bureau of commerce in the southwestern city of Chengdu.

Zhang Yu, who works with Tianjin Municipal People's Procuratorate, said that procurators should be loyal to the country's Constitution and laws, and obey professional ethics to avoid misusing their authority.

(China Daily 04/15/2012 page2)