(Sichuan province) Ninety days after Chinese human rights lawyer Lu Siwei lost contact with the outside world, there is finally concrete information on his case. Lu is currently on bail pending trial after being forcibly repatriated from Laos to Chinese custody in late September.
Confirmed reports
“He is currently released on bail pending trial. Although his freedom is limited, being able to hear his voice is already of great comfort to me.” Lu Siwei’s wife, Zhang Chunxiao revealed on October 28th.
Zhang Chunxiao expresses gratitude to friends who have been concerned about her husband’s whereabouts. “In these past few months, with your companionship, encouragement, and support, I have finally made it through the slow, dark nights and seen a glimpse of light.” She continued, “He is physically and mentally exhausted right now and needs to rest for some time… Siwei and I will be forever thankful to everyone. Blessings to all our friends!”
Initial “freedom”
Lawyer Fan Biaowen further confirmed that Lu Siwei has attained limited freedom. “Lu Siwei just called me, asking me to help him verify his WeChat. It seems he has gained some initial freedom, but he didn’t provide many details about his circumstances, and will continue to keep an eye on the situation.”
Background
Lu Siwei is a renowned human rights lawyer in China. Throughout his career, he has represented fellow lawyers who have been persecuted, including Yu Wensheng, Chen Jiahong, and Wang Quanzhang. He also represented the 12 Hong Kong residents who were arrested trying to flee Hong Kong on a speedboat while on bail. They were intercepted and detained by the Guangdong police in Shenzhen, China. After this case in 2021, the government arbitrarily revoked Lu’s lawyer license.
Escape to Laos
On July 28, 2023, he fled China and was arrested by police in Laos as he was about to board a train to Thailand. He planned to fly from Thailand to the United States to reunite with his family.
After his detention by the local police, the international community raised strong concerns. 85 international organizations expressed concerns that the Laotian government might subject him to harm upon his deportation to China and bear unnecessary legal responsibilities. They called on the Laotian government to release Lu Siwei.
UN Involvement
On August 11th, United Nations experts called on the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to end his arbitrary detention. They charged the government to permit Lu to continue his journey to reunite with his family.
Secret repatriation
The Chinese government successfully repatriated Lu Siwei through secret negotiations with Laos. This incident highlights China’s influence over Laos and serves as a symbolic representation of the Chinese authorities’ stance. They are sending a clear message through this event: they will implement transnational repression policies on any activist who leaves China without authorization.
Global public opinion is closely watching how the Chinese authorities will handle one of their own trained outstanding lawyers. Lu Siwei has been granted bail pending trial, which might be an indication that the Chinese authorities have taken relatively lenient measures.
~Gao Zhensai, Special Correspondent of ChinaAid
