Independent Red Cross committee votes down reopening Guo case

Only two members out of 16 on a special independent supervisory committee of the Red Cross Society of China (RCSC) voted to reopen an investigation into the so-called "Guo Memmei affair" during a Sunday meeting, according to Wang Yong, a committee member.

Wang Yong, who has proposed the reinvestigation many times, told the Global Times that "some members say there is no need to conduct further investigations since there was one in 2011. Others feel that our committee is not capable enough to look into this matter alone."

The scandal first erupted in 2011, and has tainted the reputation of the RCSC ever since. Guo, who had claimed to be an executive of the society, posted photos online showing her posing with luxury goods, which led many to believe the RCSC was embezzling public donations. While a police investigation found no link between Guo and the RCSC, donations have decreased, with private charities, such as actor Jet Li's One Foundation, benefiting.

The committee meeting also made clear that it would no longer be involved in benefit-based relationships with the RCSC and all members should serve voluntarily, China National Radio reported.

Zhou Xiaoyun, an online whistle-blower who exposed a long list of scandals from the fall of an energy magnate to rows over the RCSC, claimed to the Global Times Wednesday that in fact seven of the 16 members get paid directly by the RCSC, and some are legal consultants.

"They are not as independent as they are supposed to be. They are more like a supervisory department inside the RCSC," he said. "This refusal to reopen the investigation was expected, as more scandal may appear on the back of it."

Wang Yong denied vehemently that this is the case. "Actually, we've always worked for the committee voluntarily. Other members and I have never taken any money for our work," he said.

Wang Zhenyao, director of the China Philanthropy Research Institute, said the Guo affair reflects the management of Chinese charity organizations, adding there should be an independent investigation of the scandal, caixin.com reported.

The committee said via Sina Weibo that there will be a press conference Friday to answer the public's concerns.

Wang and 15 other public figures, who specialize in politics, law and the economy, were invited to establish the committee last year to help oversee donations and rebuild trust in the RCSC.