2 February 2010

CHINA: Writer and Independent Chinese PEN Officer Zhao Shiying released

RAPID ACTION NETWORK

RAN 6/10 – Update #1

International PEN’s Writers in Prison Committee welcomes the release of Zhao Shiying, dissident writer, activist and Secretary General of the Independent Chinese PEN Centre (ICPC), after being detained for two weeks. There were fears that Zhao Shiying was arrested for supporting Liu Xiaobo, former ICPC president, sentenced to eleven years in prison in December 2009. International PEN demands the immediate and unconditional release of Liu Xiaobo, and all those detained in violation of Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which China is a signatory.

According to International PEN’s information, Zhao Shiying, pen name Zhao Dagong, was released on 25 January 2010. Zhao had been arrested by police officers from his home in Shenzhen, southern China, on 11 January 2010 and held without charge. Shi Xiaoli, Zhao’s wife, confirmed to the Associated Press that Zhao had been freed and that he is resting at home. She decline to provide further details.

Backgound:

Zhao Shiyang has been interrogated several times since December 2008 about his involvement with dissident writer Liu Xiaobo, and his statements were included in the Court Verdict against Liu. On 27 December 2009, Zhao Shiyang published an online essay entitled ‘Liu Xiaobo's Banner ! – Birthday Wishes to Liu Xiaobo’ in which he reaffirmed his willingness to share responsibility with Liu for the publishing of Charter 08. There are fears that Zhao was targeted as part of a crackdown on signatories of Charter 08 and on the Independent Chinese PEN Centre.

For the previous WiPC alert on Zhao Dagong see here: http://www.internationalpen.org.uk/go/news/china-writer-and-independe...

For further background on the sentencing of Liu Xiaobo and Charter 08 click here: http://www.internationalpen.org.uk/go/news/international-pen-calls-li...

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/jan/17/china-terrified-dissent-d...

Please send appeals:

- Welcoming the release of leading dissident writer and activist Zhao Shiying;

- Calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Liu Xiaobo and all those detained in violation of Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which China is a signatory.

Send appeals to:

His Excellency Hu Jintao
President of the People’s Republic of China
State Council
Beijing 100032
P.R. China

Chief Judge Mr. WANG Shengjun
President of the Supreme People’s Court
No.27 Dongjiaominxiang
Dongcheng District, Beijing 100745
P.R. China

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.

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 15 March 2010**

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

International PEN is a UK Registered Charity No. 1117088 and a Company Registered in England No. 05683997, Registered Office: Brownlow House, 50/51High Holborn, London WC1V 6ER