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The prominent dissident, Dr. Liu Xiaobo, 53, was formally arrested by the Chinese authority on June 23 for inciting subversion and is at high risk of harsh sentence.
He was a signature of Charter 08, a human rights document drafted on the International Human Rights Day 2008. Dr. Liu Xiaobo was first arrested by police officers in Beijing on Dec. 8. Since then, he has been put under ‘residential surveillance’ away from his home and his wife Ms Liu Xia was only allowed to visit him only twice in his 6-month detention.
Xinhua News Agency, the state-run media, quoted the police statement that “Liu has been engaged in agitation activities, such as spreading rumors and defaming of the government, aimed at subversion of the state and overthrowing the socialism system in recent years.” Xinhua also reported that Dr. Liu has confessed to the charge. His defense lawyer, Mr. Mo Shaoping, stated that Dr. Liu could be sentenced up to 15 years’ imprisonment if convicted.
Human rights advocates in China say Dr. Liu is in grave danger of being convicted and his conviction will create chilling effect in the Chinese society which will deter any criticisms towards the government and is destructive to human rights protection and social reform.
They call for international support for the dissident who speaks up for human rights and social change, by voicing out our concern over arbitrary detention imposed on him.
Rights advocates are asking for help. They want letters written protesting the arrest.
Send letters to:
1. President Hu Jintao
President of the People’s Republic of China
State Council General Office
2 Fuyoujie, Xichengqu, Beijing
People’s Republic of China
2. Mr. Meng Jianzhu
Minister of the Public Security
14 Dongchang’anjie, Dongchenqu
Beijing 100741
People’s Republic of China