Chinese authorities close fatal net treatment camp, arrest 13

Chinese police have detained 13 people as part of their investigation into the death of a teenager at an internet addiction treatment camp.

According to official news agency Xinhua, the 13 are all connected with the Qihang Salvation Training Camp in Nanning.

The camp achieved notoriety last week following the death of Deng Senshan, a 15 year old who was being treated there for internet addiction.

Deng was reportedly beaten to death by supervisors at the camp for "running too slowly". He had already been subjected to solitary confinement.

Zhang Shuhui, vice head of the Jiangnan district of Nanning, said the 13 were being investigated for inflicting intentional injuries and for operating illegally.

He said the camp had been shut down and the 122 "trainees" returned to their parents.

Deng's parents had apparently been paying $1000 per month for his "treatment" at the camp.

As paranoia about supposed net addiction has grown in China, so has an industry of "cures", including boot camp style facilities.

In addition, quacks have been offering electro convulsive shock therapy to youngsters supposedly suffering from net addiction. The government has condemned ECT as a treatment for the supposed condition.

Whether it condemns the labour camp approach as a way of modifying perceived anti social behaviour remains to be seen. ®