The communist nation has also shunned coverage of the death, with little or no note being carried on the newspapers.

It has asked other countries to maintain dignity and not meddle with their 'internal affairs' as they were in no position to 'pass improper judgements'.

Xiaobo, one of China's most prominent critic, was locked up and had been serving a 11-year old prison term (in four terms, the latest of which was from 2009) for subversion.

He was disallowed from travelling abroad for treatment and was later granted medical parole on Jun 26, earlier this year, after doctors diagnosed him with terminal liver cancer.

The Nobel committee, who bestowed upon him the Peace Prize in 2010, while in prison, said that China was 'heavily responsible' for Xiaobo's death.

Condoling the loss, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein said, "The human rights movement in China and across the world has lost a principled champion who devoted his life to defending and promoting human rights, peacefully and consistently, and who was jailed for standing up for his beliefs."

He also urged Beijing to release Xiaobo's wife, who has been placed under house arrest.

"I urge the Chinese authorities to guarantee Liu Xia's freedom of movement, and allow her to travel abroad should she wish so,' he said.

Meanwhile, following his death, officials stated that the Nobel Laureate died of multiple organ failure.

His final words directed towards his wife were: "Live on well," reports said.

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