CHINA: Dissident writer Zhou Yuanzhi released

Update #1 to RAN 25/08

The Writers in Prison Committee of International PEN welcomes the release of dissident writer and member of the Independent Chinese PEN Centre Zhou Yuanzhi on 15 May 2008. International PEN remains concerned that he remains under heavy restrictions, and reminds the Chinese authorities of their obligations to Article 19 of the United Nations International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

According to International PEN’s information, Zhou Yuanzhi was taken from his home on 3 May 2008 and held at an unknown location under the Residential Surveillance law, which provides for interrogation of suspects without formal arrest. He reported that during this time, he was held at a hotel and questioned by the police about his articles, books, contacts and interviews. He was released on 15 May 2008, but remains under heavy restriction, including being forbidden from travelling beyond his home city without police authorisation, being prohibited from communicating with strangers, and being banned from publishing. These restrictions could last up to six months, during which time Zhou could be formally detained and questioned at any time.

Zhou extends his thanks to all who campaigned on his behalf, he believes that international pressure contributed to his release.

For the earlier Writers in Prison Committee alert on Zhou Yuanzhi’s case, please see

http://www.internationalpen.org.uk/go/news/china-dissident-writer-zhou-yuanzhi-detained

For International PEN China Campaign, please visit
http://www.internationalpen.org.uk/go/freedom-of-expression/campaigns/china-campaign/china-campaign

Please send appeals:
Welcoming the release of dissident writer and member of the Independent Chinese PEN Centre Zhou Yuanzhi, but expressing serious concerns about the continuing restrictions he faces ;

Calling for all restrictions against him to be lifted in accordance with Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to which China is a signatory.

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.

Mr. Meng Jianzhu
Minister of the Public Security
East Chang'an Avenue 14
100741 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 the PEN WiPC office in London if sending appeals after 20 June 2008**

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