Shi Tao

*** UPDATE: Yahoo has settled a US lawsuit brought by the families of Shi Tao and his co-defendant Wang Xiaoning, who were gaoled for their writings after Yahoo revealed their identities to the Chinese government. The settlement was announced six days after Yahoo executives were summoned to testify before a Congressional Committee concerning misleading statements that Yahoo had previously made to Congress about its role in the matter. The settlement is an important gesture, but PEN continues to be deeply concerned for the health and well-being of Shi Tao who remains imprisoned.***

*** UPDATE: PEN welcomes the news that in June 2007 Shi Tao was transferred from Chishan Prison to Deshan Prison, where the conditions are reportedly better. According to his mother, who visited him last month, he is no longer subject to hard physical labour, and they are able to hold hands since they are no longer separated by a glass window. He is reportedly allowed to read newspapers and listen to the radio. As a result, his health has greatly improved, although his stomach problems remain. His family believe these improvements are a result of international pressure on his behalf. ***

Profession: Poet, freelance writer and journalist

Date of birth: 25 July 1968

Date of arrest: 24 November 2004

Cause of arrest: An article posted on the internet that was later alleged to have revealed state secrets. What the article in fact contained was an official memorandum to the Chinese media concerning coverage of the 15th anniversary of the military crackdown in Tiananmen Square. 

It is believed that the internet service provider Yahoo! provided Chinese police with detailed information that enabled them to link Shi Tao's personal email account and the specific message containing the alleged 'state secret' to the address of his computer.

Charge: Suspicion of illegally providing state secret overseas (Article 111 of 1997 Criminal Code).

Sentence: In April 2005, sentenced to 10 years imprisonment and 2 years deprivation of political rights by the Changsha Municipal Intermediate People's Court.

Place of detention: Deshan Prison, Postbox: 56-4, 415001 Changde City, Hunan Province

Health concerns: Since his transfer to Deshan Prison in June 2007, his living conditions and health have reportedly improved, and he is no longer required to do hard physical labour.

Other information: Recipient of CPJ's 2005 International Press Freedom Award, PEN America's 2006 Freedom to Write Award, WAN's 2007 Golden Pen of Freedom

Honorary member of: English, Sydney, German, Canadian, New Zealand, Swiss Italian and USA PEN.