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June
15, 2007
RAPID ACTION NETWORK
13 June 2007
Update #1 to RAN 35/06
CHINA: Allegations of torture by imprisoned dissident writer Yang
Maodong.
The Writers in Prison Committee of International PEN is alarmed by
claims by dissident writer Yang Maodong that he was tortured in detention, and
that a confession extracted through torture is to be used as evidence in
court.
International PEN seeks immediate assurances that whilst detained
writer Yang Maodong is treated humanely, and reminds the Chinese authorities
of their obligations under the United Nations Convention against Torture
and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, and the
Chinese constitution. PEN renews its call for the immediate and
unconditional release of writer Yang Maodong in accordance with Article 19 of the
United Nations International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which
China is a signatory.
According to PEN¨s information, Yang Maodong (aka Guo Feixiong), a
well-known dissident writer, independent publisher and civil rights
activist, who has been in detention since 14 September 2006, was
reportedly transferred to the Shenyang detention centre between 20 January 2007
and 27 March 2007 during which time he alleges that he was severely treated
and repeatedly tortured. The police interrogation reportedly focused on his
involvement in and reporting of an anti-corruption campaign by
villagers in Taishi Village, Guangdong Province. This incident is not related to the
charges under which Yang Maodong is currently being held.
Yang Maodong was arrested on 14 September 2006 on charges of
｀suspected illegal business dealings¨ for which he is to stand trial on 15 June
2007.According to his wife, police officers searched their home in
Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, Southern China, and took away Yang¨s
computers,cell phone, books, manuscripts and other documents. The following day
Yang was reportedly charged with illegal business practices for allegedly
publishing and selling 20,000 books using false ISBNs (international
standard book number). His wife claims that the charges are totally
unfounded.
Yang Maodong, aged 40, is known for his critical writings and civil
rights activism. He was previously detained on 12 September 2005 and held
without charge until December 2005 for his involvement in and reporting of an
anti-corruption campaign by villagers in Taishi Village, Guangdong
Province.
PEN campaigned for his release.
(http://www.internationalpen.org.uk/index.php?pid=33&aid=393&return=33)
Yang has since been subject to repeated harassment by the authorities,
culminating in his arrest on 14 September 2006. Yang Maodong is a
writer and independent publisher, and his writings include two novels and one
collection of short stories. He has also published many essays, poems
and articles.
Please send appeals:
- Expressing outrage at reports that a confession by Yang Maodong
extracted through torture is to be used in court as evidence;
- Condemning the use of torture and degrading treatment against
prisoners, in violation of the United Nations convention against
Torture;
- Seeking assurances from the Chinese authorities that Yang Maodong
is humanely treated while in detention;
- Calling for his immediate and unconditional release in accordance
with Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political
Rights to which China is a signatory;
Government addresses:
His Excellency Hu Jintao
President of the People¨s Republic of China
State Council
Beijing 100032
P.R.China.
Procurator General Mr. Jia Chunwang
Supreme People's Procuratorate
Beiheyan Street 147
100726 Beijing
P.R.China
Please note that fax numbers are no longer available for the Chinese
authorities, so you may wish to ask the diplomatic representative for
China in your country to forward your appeals.
Please copy appeals to the diplomatic representative for China in your
country if possible.
**Please contact this office if sending appeals after 7 July 2007**
For further information please contact Cathy McCann at International
PEN Writers in Prison Committee, Brownlow House, 50/51 High Holborn, London
WC1V
6ER, Tel.+ 44 (0) 20 7405 0338, Fax: +44 (0) 20 7405 0339, email:
cathy.mccann@internationalpen.org.uk
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