The Chinese government scrubbed social media and blocked Internet searches for Nobel Peace laureate Liu Xiaobo, who passed away during custody on Thursday. A search on the popular Sina Weibo microblog brings up a message saying “according to relevant laws and policies, results for ‘Liu Xiaobo’ cannot be displayed”. Beijing rejected international criticism for now allowing Xiaobo to be treated abroad for liver cancer, citing other countries “in no position to make improper remarks“. Calls have also mounted for China to free Xiaobo’s widow, Liu Xia, who has been under house arrest.