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China: Dissident writer sentenced to ten years for subversion
PEN International’s Writers in Prison Committee (WiPC) | 1 February 2012 RAN 07/12
The Writers in Prison Committee (WiPC) of PEN International condemns the ten-year prison sentence handed down on 18 January 2012 to dissident writer Li Tie, for allegedly ‘subversive’ writings. The WiPC calls for his immediate and unconditional release, and that of all those currently detained in the People’s Republic of China for peacefully expressing their views.
According to PEN’s information, human rights activist and writer Li Tie, aged 52, wassentenced to ten years in prison by the Wuhan Intermediate People’s Court on 18January 2012, nine months after he was tried for ‘subversion’ on 18 April 2011. The evidence against him included membership of the banned political group, the China Social Democracy Party, and a series of critical online essays and writings, in particular an article entitled “Human Beings’ Heaven Is Human Dignity.” His trial has not been conducted in accordance with due process or international standards of fairness, and Li has been prevented from appealing the verdict.
During the past decade, Li has written many online articles promoting democracy, constitutional government, and direct local elections. He has also organized activities to honor the memory of Lin Zhao, the well-known Beijing University student jailed in the 1950s and executed by the government in 1968 for her views and writings.
For further information and analysis see:
- An article in The New York Times http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/20/world/asia/li-tie-prominent-chinese-activist-sentenced-to-jail.html
- An alert by the human rights group Frontline Defenders http://www.frontlinedefenders.org/node/17103
TAKE ACTION
Please send appeals:
- Calling for the immediate and unconditional release of dissident writer Li Tie, imprisoned by the P.R.China for the peaceful exercise of his right to free expression;
- Expressing alarm at the crackdown on dissent in which writers, journalists and human rights defenders are amongst those to have been targeted;
- Reminding the Chinese authorities of their obligations under Article 35 of the Chinese constitution and Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to which it is a state party;
Send appeals to:
His Excellency Hu Jintao
President of the People’s Republic of China
State Council
Beijing 100032
P.R. China
Please note that there are no fax numbers for the Chinese authorities. WiPC recommends that you copy your appeal to the Chinese embassy in your country asking them to forward it and welcoming any comments.
You may find it easier to write to the Chinese ambassador in your own country asking him or her to forward your appeal. Most embassies are obliged to forward such appeals to the relevant officials in the country.A letter or petition signed by an eminent member of your Centre may give make it more likely for your appeal to be considered. Similarly if your appeal is published in your local press and copied to the Chinese ambassador, this too may have greater impact.
See this useful link to find the contact details of the Chinese embassy in your country Chinese embassies abroad http://www.embassiesabroad.com/embassies-of/China#7405
*Please contact the PEN WiPC office in London if sending appeals after 29 February 2012
For further information please contact Cathy McCann at International PEN Writers in Prison Committee, Brownlow House, 50/51 High Holborn, London WC1V 6ER, Tel.+ 44 (0) 20 7405 0338, Fax: +44 (0) 20 7405 0339, email: cathy.mccann@pen-internationalpen.org
Cathy McCann/ Researcher / PEN International Brownlow House
50-51 High Holborn
London WC1V 6ER.
t. +44 (0)20 7405 0338 | f. +44 (0)20 7405 0339 | e. Twitter | Facebook | www.pen-international.org
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