Prosecutors in a western China's city are investigating the sudden death of a prisoner.

Shi Faren, 46, was found dead in his cell in Yan'an Prison in Shaanxi Province on March 6, China Business View reported yesterday.

Prison officers said Shi died from natural causes but his wife, surnamed Wang, said she saw marks around his neck and dark red marks on his body.

The wife asked prison officers to show her the security video of Shi's cell before his death, but officers said there was no such video.

Wang ruled out abuse, but was unsure whether the prison had provided adequate medical treatment.

Shi was sentenced to eight years in 2007 for selling fake products. He was transferred to Yan'an Prison last April.

Prison records showed Shi had visited the prison clinic early on March 6 complaining of breathing difficulties. He was there for 20 minutes for observation but returned to his cell after he felt well.

At 6:50am, officers found him dead.

(Shanghai Daily March 25, 2009)