News - Chinese Human Rights DefendersChinese Human Rights Defenders

[CHRB] Ongoing Suppression of HRDs: Li Xiaoling Arrested; Lawyer Liu Yao Loses Appeal Over 20-Year Sentence; Gao Zhisheng Still Missing (9/22-27/2017)

September 27, 2017 Comments Off

Guangdong activist Li Xiaoling (李小玲) was arrested after she commemorated the Tiananmen Massacre. Guangdong rights lawyer Liu Yao (刘尧) lost his appeal over a 20-year sentence. Gao Zhisheng (高智晟) is in custody in Beijing after disappearing from house arrest on August 13.

Human rights issues ignored during BRICS summit in China

September 25, 2017 Comments Off

By Frances Eve & Cathal Gilbert | From 3-5 September, the leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa met at the ninth BRICS summit. The venue was Xiamen – a gleaming port city which symbolises China’s rise as the new economic and political force in the world. It (read more…)

Free Activist Zhen Jianghua, Stop Criminalizing Human Rights Advocacy

September 21, 2017 Comments Off

Chinese authorities must release activist Zhen Jianghua (甄江华), who is being held incommunicado on suspicion of “inciting subversion of state power,” and end the rampant criminalization of human rights activities.

Justice for Cao Shunli: Sanctions Sought to Hold Chinese Officials Accountable for Torture

September 13, 2017 Comments Off

On the fourth anniversary of Cao Shunli’s, CHRD again calls for justice for her, urging the US government to use the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act to hold accountable those responsible for her torture and death.

China Is Risking the Lives of Political Prisoners by Denying Them Medical Care

September 11, 2017 Comments Off

By Frances Eve | Dozens of political detainees and prisoners have reported being deprived of adequate medical treatment. Deliberately depriving prisoners of medical care is a life-threatening form of torture, and appears to be commonly used against political prisoners on China.

China Must End Legalized Enforced Disappearances

August 28, 2017 Comments Off

To mark the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances on August 30, CHRD calls on the Chinese government to end the legalized practice of involuntary or enforced disappearance of human rights defenders and their family members by repealing “residential surveillance at a designated location.”

Sham Trial of Activist Wu Gan Targets Free Expression

August 14, 2017 Comments Off

The Chinese government must release activist Wu Gan immediately and unconditionally. Its persecution of Wu, including his trial on August 14, punishes him for his exercise of free speech and peaceful assembly.

Seven Confirmed Detained for Mourning Liu Xiaobo, Whereabouts of Liu Xia Remain Unknown

August 3, 2017 Comments Off

Police have detained, questioned, and searched the homes of citizens who commemorated Liu Xiaobo (刘晓波) after he passed away on July 13. Authorities have clamped down on public expressions of mourning for Liu. Calls continue for the government to lift its restrictions on Liu Xia (刘霞), the dissident’s widow, who (read more…)

Hold Xi Jinping Accountable for Liu Xiaobo’s Death in Custody, Free Liu Xia

July 13, 2017 Comments Off

We mourn the death of Liu Xiaobo, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate, writer, and prisoner of conscience. Liu passed away from multiple organ failure today under police custody. CHRD urges the international community to do everything possible to free Liu Xia, Liu Xiaobo’s wife and the love of his life.

End 2-Year Crackdown on Lawyers, Hold Chinese Government Accountable

July 6, 2017 Comments Off

The ongoing persecution of Chinese human rights lawyers, seen most explicitly in the “709 Crackdown,” testifies to the government’s defiance of international human rights standards and its disregard for its own Constitution and laws.

Free Liu Xiaobo, Allow Him to Choose Doctors & Treatment

June 27, 2017 Comments Off

The Chinese government must free Liu Xiaobo, allow him to reunite with his family, and ensure he immediately receives medical treatment by doctors—and in the location—of his own choosing.

CHRD Demands Accountability & Justice for Victims of Torture

June 22, 2017 Comments Off

For International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, CHRD demands that China live up to its obligations contained in the UN Convention against Torture, including to investigate allegations of torture by state agents and provide compensation, rehabilitation, and redress to victims.