The WiPC of International PEN is alarmed at the reported arrests of four writers for publishing an underground literary journal. The Committee fears that the four men may be detained solely for exercising their right to freedom of expression as guaranteed by Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to which […]
The WiPC of International PEN is alarmed at the reported arrests of four writers for publishing an underground literary journal. The Committee fears that the four men may be detained solely for exercising their right to freedom of expression as guaranteed by Article 19 of the
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to which China is a signatory, and urgently seeks details of any charges against them.
According to WiPCâs information, writers Xiong Jinren and Chen Wei were arrested on 11 January 2000 in the city of Guiyang, Guizhou Province following the publication in December 1999 of the unofficial literary journal “China Cultural Rennaissance”. Journalist and writer Wang Yiliang and academic Hu Jun were reportedly detained a few days later by Shanghai police in connection with the publication. Details of charges against the four men are not known at this stage.
Xiong Jinren was previously detained on 26 January 1998 with three other poets, Ma Qiang, Wu Ruohai and Xue Deyun, as they were preparing to launch the same journal. Ma Qiang and Wu Ruohai were released on 20 March 1998, and Xiong Jinren was also released sometime later in 1998 (exact date not known). Xue Deyun was charged with “engaging in subversive activities”, violating “article 105.2 of the Chinese Penal Code”, and attempting to overthrow “the socialist
system by rumour-mongering [or] slander”, and was sentenced to seven yearsâ imprisonment in November 1998. International PEN considers Xue Deyun to be detained solely for exercising his right to free expression, and is calling for his immediate and unconditional release.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to the president:
– protesting the imprisonment of poet Xue Deyun
– stating that you consider Xue Deyun to be detained solely for exercising his right to free expression and calling for his immediate and unconditional release
– expressing your fear that writers Xiong Jinren, Chen Wei, Wang Yilang and Hu Jun may also face the prospect of a considerable period of detention, in violation of Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
Appeals To
APPEALS TO:
His Excellency Jiang Zemin
State Council
Beijing 100032
P.R.China
Fax: +86 10 6512 5810
Please copy appeals to the diplomatic representative for China in your country.
In Canada, appeals can be sent to:
His Excellency Peizin Zha, Ambassador
Embassy of the Peopleâs Republic of China
515 St. Patrick Street
Ottawa, Ontario
KIN 5H3
Tel: +613 789 3434
Fax: +613 789 1911
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
