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03 October 2007
CHINA: Writer and human rights activist Lu Gengsong charged with
subversion.
RAPID ACTION NETWORK
03 October 2007
RAN 37/07
The Writers in Prison Committee of International PEN is seriously
concerned about the detention of writer and human rights activist Lu
Gengsong, who has been detained since 24 August 2007, apparently for his Internet writings. On
29 September 2007 he was formally charged with ｀inciting subversion of
state power¨. International PEN fears that Lu Gengsong may be detained in
violation of Article 19 of the International Convention on Civil and
Political Rights, to which China is a signatory, and if so calls for his
immediate and unconditional release.
According to PEN¨s information, Lu Gengsong was arrested in Hangzhou City,
Zhejiang Province, on 24 August 2007, following the on-line publication of
articles critical of the authorities. His home was searched and his computer
and personal files were reportedly confiscated. His wife was also taken in
for questioning as a ｀criminal suspect¨ and released three hours later. Lu
Gengsong was formally charged on 29 September 2007 with ｀inciting
subversion of state power¨, a charge which is often used to silence
dissidents. The initial charge of ｀illegal possession of state secrets¨
has been dropped. Lu is held at the Xihu (West Lake) Detention Centre in
Hangzhou City, where he is reportedly held incommunicado although his wife
has been permitted to visit him.
Lu Gengsong, a history graduate from Zhejiang University, taught at the
Zhejiang Higher Professional School of Public Security before being expelled
in 1993 because of his pro-democracy activities. He went on to become a
freelance writer, and has published several books on political reform,
including A History of Chinese Community Party Corrupt Officials in 2000. Lu
is known for his reporting on human rights violations and his political
commentaries published on the Internet. He is also an active member of the
banned China Democracy Party (CDP).
Please send appeals:
- Expressing concerns that Lu Gengsong is held for his critical
writings and pro-democracy activities;
- 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.
Please note that there are no fax numbers for the Chinese authorities. WiPC
recommends that you copy your appeal to the Chinese embassy in your country
asking them to forward it and welcoming any comments.
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 03 November 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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