Chinese Human Rights Defenders (CHRD)

 Web: http://crd-net.org/Article/ShowClass.asp?ClassID=9  Email: networkcrd@gmail.com

 Promoting human rights and empowering grassroots activism in China

Jailed Writer Li Hong's Health Rapidly Deteriorating
Zhejiang authorities must release Li Hong for medical treatment

(Chinese Human Rights Defenders, December 11, 2007) - Jailed Zhejiang writer and poet, Li Hong's (力虹) health has been rapidly deteriorating. Shortly after Li had started serving a 6-year prison term early this year, he was diagnosed with a form of muscular dystrophy that could lead to paralysis and even death. Despite his family's repeated calls for his release for medical treatment, the authorities have denied his application for release. In addition, the authorities delayed his medical treatment: He was diagnosed in late May but did not receive any medical treatment until October 20. 

On that date, according to Citizen's Rights and Livelihood Watch, a civil rights group in Hubei Province, Li's wife, Dong Min (董敏), said Li was sent from Qiaosi Prison, Zhejiang Province, to the Zhejiang Prison General Hospital. At the hospital, Li's diary was confiscated, and he was not allowed to watch television. Li has written to the Zhejiang Province Prison Management Bureau, Zhejiang Qiaosi Prison and Zhejiang Prison General Hospital to request release for medical treatment but has received no response.

Li Hong (real name Zhang Jianhong 张建红 ) was the editor-in-chief of the well-known website, Aegean Sea. On March 19, 2007, Li was sentenced to 6 years for "inciting the subversion of state power" by the Intermediate Court of Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province. Li has a long record of dissidence.  Because of his participation in the 1989 student movement, he was charged for "anti-revolutionary propaganda and incitement" and sent to Re-education through Labor cam for two years.

Click here for CHRD's previous briefing on Li.

Recommendations

CHRD calls for Li Hong's immediate release for medical treatment.

CHRD believes that Li has been imprisoned solely for peacefully exercising his right to freedom of expression guaranteed in Article 35 of the Chinese Constitution and Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which China has signed (but not yet ratified).

To urge government officials to take these actions, please contact:

Governor of the Zhejiang Provincial People's Government

LU Zushan
Zhejiangsheng Renmin Zhengfu
9 Shengfulu
Hangzhoushi 310007
People's Republic of China

Chief of the Zhejiang Provincial Prison Management Bureau
GE Bingyao
Zhejiangsheng Jianyu Guanliju
110 Tianmushanlu
Hangzhoushi
People's Republic of China

Secretary of Zhejiang Provincial Committee of Politics and Law
WANG Huizhong
Zhejiang Shengwei Zhengfa Weiyuanhui
10 Hao Lou
Xingzheng Zhongxin
Hangzhoushi
People's Republic of China
Tel: 0571-87052432/0571-87052453/0571-87056498

President of the Zhejiang Provincial High People's Court
YING Yong
Zhejiangsheng Gaoji Renmin Fayuan
5 Machenglu
Hangzhoushi 310012
People's Republic of China
Tel: 0571-87054449

____________________________________________
Chinese Human Rights Defenders (CHRD) is a non-political, non-government network of grassroots and international activists promoting human rights protection and empowering grassroots activism in China.  CHRD's objective is to build NGO capacities, monitor rights development, and assist victims of abuse.   CHRD advocates non-violent and rule of law approaches.  CHRD conducts investigation and research, provides information, organizes training, supports a program of small grants, and offers legal assistance.