Lawmakers advocated a new round of reforms for China's detention system, after three more people were reported to have died in police custody.

Following repeated incidents of detainees being bullied or tortured by the police, officials and scholars felt judicial or independent institutions ought to take over the running of detention facilities.

"The police not only investigate and question the suspects, but also detain them before they are put on trial. This is not appropriate," said Duan Zhengkun, a retired deputy minister of justice and a top political advisor.