Chinese spa murder sparks concern

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A karaoke bar waitress in central China who was arrested for the fatal stabbing of a communist official has been promised fair treatment by authorities.

Deng Yujiao, 21, says she stabbed Deng Guida when he demanded sex in a hotel spa in the city of Badong.

The hotel is suspected of providing sex services and the manager has been summoned, officials say.

Many Chinese websites have praised Ms Deng for fighting injustice and posted poems and songs in her support.

The strong public interest in the case prompted the local government in Badong to post a statement online promising a fair hearing, the Associated Press news agency reported.

The local authorities also set up set up an information centre relating to the case.

The China Daily website said Deng Guida, who ran a local government office for business promotion, cornered the waitress in the spa area of the hotel and demanded sex.

When she refused, Mr Deng, 43, allegedly forced her down on a sofa. After some struggle, she pulled out a fruit knife from her bag and stabbed him.

Mr Deng died later on the way to hospital.

Chinese police say Deng Yujiao turned herself in on 10 May.