China: Writer Zhao Shiying released
Published: February 3, 2010
English PEN welcomes the release of Zhao Shiying, dissident writer, activist and Secretary General of the Independent Chinese PEN Centre (ICPC), after being detained for two weeks. There were fears that Zhao Shiying was arrested for supporting Liu Xiaobo, former ICPC president, sentenced to eleven years in prison in December 2009.
According to our information, Zhao Shiying (pen name Zhao Dagong) was released on 25 January 2010. Zhao had been arrested by police officers at his home in Shenzhen, southern China, on 11 January 2009 and held without charge. Shi Xiaoli, Zhao's wife, confirmed to the Associated Press that Zhao had been freed and that he is resting at home.
English PEN continues to demand the immediate and unconditional release of Liu Xiaobo, and all those detained in violation of Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which China is a signatory.
Background:
Zhao Shiying has been interrogated several times since December 2008 about his involvement with dissident writer Liu Xiaobo, and his statements were included in the Court Verdict against Liu. On 27 December 2009, Zhao Shiyang published an online essay entitled 'Liu Xiaobo's Banner ! - Birthday Wishes to Liu Xiaobo' in which he reaffirmed his willingness to share responsibility with Liu for the publishing of Charter 08. There are fears that Zhao was targeted as part of a crackdown on signatories of Charter 08 and on the Independent Chinese PEN Centre.
For the previous WiPC alert on Zhao Dagong, please click here.
For further background on the sentencing of Liu Xiaobo and Charter 08, please click here.
Please send appeals:
- Welcoming the release of leading dissident writer and activist Zhao Shiying;
- Calling for the immediate and unconditional release of all those detained in violation of Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which China is a signatory.
Send appeals to:
His Excellency Hu Jintao
President of the People's Republic of China
State Council
Beijing 100032
P.R. China
Mr. Meng Jianzhu
Minister of the Public Security
East Chang'an Avenue 14
100741 Beijing
P.R. China
Please note that there are no fax numbers for the Chinese authorities. We therefore recommend that you copy your appeal to the Chinese Embassy asking them to forward it and welcoming any comments:
Her Excellency Fu Ying
49-51 Portland Place
London
W1B 1JL