ChinaAid
March 24, 2010
LONDON–At a press conference held at 11:30 GMT today, Wednesday, March 24, 2010, President of ChinaAid Bob Fu shared more than 124,000 signatures calling for the release and verifiable information on the whereabout of missing human rights attorney Gao Zhisheng.
In the course of his meetings with members of the European Union and the English Parliament, Bob is sharing Gao’s story, and the story of other severe persecution cases like that of Linfen Church in Shanxi and of Uyghur Christian-convert Alimujiang Yimiti, with the help of veteran Chinese lawyer Dr. Li Baiguang. Over the next few weeks they will continue to meet with high ranking officials in Europe to discuss the status of human rights and conditions for lawyers in China.
Christian Solidarity Worldwide and Release International cohosted today’s press conference with ChinaAid to help spread the message about Gao Zhisheng. See the details:
Christian Solidarity Worldwide
24/03/2010 | 11:30 GMT | United Kingdom
China’s ‘torture’ of Nobel Peace Prize nominee for defending Christians exposed
Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) and Release International hold press conference at which the President of U.S-based China Aid Association, Bob Fu, speaks on the disappearance of Nobel Peace Prize nominee and human rights lawyer Gao Zhisheng who CSW say has been repeatedly and severely tortured since 2005 for defending church leaders. Gao was apparently ‘hauled away’ by Chinese officials in Feb 2009 and not re-appeared
Press Contacts
Theresa Malinowska Christian Solidarity Worldwide + 44 (0) 208 329 0045
Release International Release International + 44 (0) 1689 823 491
ChinaAid China Aid Association 1 888 889 7757
www.csw.org.uk Legatum Institute, 11 Charles Street, Mayfair, London, UK
See the full CSW press advisory.
Bob’s speech at the Mayfair Legatum Institute also highlighted the achievements of Dr. Li Baiguang, an acclaimed lawyer in China. Dr. Li received the Democracy Award in Washington, DC, in 2008, and was further granted an audience with U.S. President George W. Bush. Dr. Li is a leading member of a brave team of Chinese “rights defense” lawyers, who risk the backlash of the present policies in China to press for justice for the abused. They frequently take on pro bono cases so that victims, who would be otherwise unable to receive legal assistance, would receive relief.
These lawyers seek to transform the system through precedent-setting cases to operate under rule of law. Gao Zhisheng is considered the #1 Chinese ‘rights defense’ lawyer, and as such, his case of disappearance is one of the most disturbing for all lawyers in China.
Recent conflicting reports on Gao’s whereabouts and condition have led to much confusion and distrust. Chinese officials and news reports have indicated Gao has been seen working in Urumqi (Xinjiang), been held and sentenced, and even been reported dead. Most recent interviews with Gao’s brother Zhiyi have indicated that Gao is still alive, but it has been impossible to confirm his true condition. (See the BBC News report from 3/17/2010). In the conference, Bob Fu called, once again, for the truth about Gao Zhisheng, and renewed ChinaAid’s commitment to Gao’s campaign.
Click here to read the full text of Bob Fu’s speech.
ChinaAid calls on the international community to pray for the persecuted in China. We urge international leaders to hold China accountable for their human rights record, and to support the rights defense lawyers and others who are actively promoting rule of law, through peaceful legal methods.
We will not rest until Gao Zhisheng has been accounted for. To sign the petition to Free Gao, or help support our mission to learn the truth, visit www.FreeGao.com.
China Aid Contacts
Rachel Ritchie, English Media Director
Cell: (432) 553-1080 | Office: 1+ (888) 889-7757 | Other: (432) 689-6985
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.chinaaid.org
