THOUGHT-PROVOKING

Zhu Jiang (pseudonym), a 36-yearold paraplegic man, caused an outpouring of public sympathy after it was revealed he had hired a hitman to help end his life. According to media reports, Zhu had been bedridden for four years following a car accident and was too sick to even commit suicide. Unwilling to live in endless pain, Zhu paid his would-be killer online. The man he hired had Zhu discharged and took his client to a hotel room where he proceeded to stab him. Zhu apparently changed his mind about the arrangement midway through the attack, calling for help. However, he was stabbed over 10 times, leaving him in a coma. The case triggered public discussion of the possibility of legalizing euthanasia in China.