(WiPC/IFEX) – WiPC is increasingly concerned about the health of writer, editor and veteran activist Xu Wenli, which, according to his family, has been steadily deteriorating since his imprisonment in December 1998. He is now believed to be in critical condition. International PEN again calls upon the Chinese authorities to ensure that Xu Wenli receives […]
(WiPC/IFEX) – WiPC is increasingly concerned about the health of writer, editor and veteran activist Xu Wenli, which, according to his family, has been steadily deteriorating since his imprisonment in December 1998. He is now believed to be in critical condition. International PEN again calls upon the Chinese authorities to ensure that Xu Wenli receives the medication and dietary requirements necessary for the treatment of his condition as a matter of urgency. International PEN considers Xu Wenli to be detained in violation of Article 19 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and is calling for his immediate and unconditional release.
Xu Wenli was arrested on 1 December 1998 and sentenced on 21 December to thirteen years’ imprisonment for attempting to overthrow the state by “secretly planning” to set up the unofficial Chinese Democratic Party (CDP). He was officially diagnosed with Hepatitis B in September 1999, having exhibited symptoms of the disease for several months prior to the diagnosis. In March 2000, the disease was reported to have become severe due to lack of adequate medical care and poor diet. In February 2001, his health was said to have further deteriorated, and in addition to Hepatitis B he was also reported to be suffering from pain in the joints. Now, after three years’ imprisonment, his condition is said to be critical.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to authorities:
– protesting the detention of Xu Wenli
– expressing serious concern for his health
– requesting that he receive the medication and dietary requirements necessary for the treatment of his condition as a matter of urgency
– urging that he be immediately and unconditionally released in accordance with Article 19 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and on humanitarian grounds
Appeals To
His Excellency Jiang Zemin
State Council
Beijing 100032
P.R.China
His Excellency Xiao Yang Buzhang
Minister of Justice
Sifabu
Xiaguangli
Beijing 100016
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 and the source if possible.
