Chen Guangcheng, a self-taught Chinese advocate for families forced to undergo sterilization and abortions, was imprisoned for four years and subsequently detained in his house and mistreated without charges for 19 months. After a dramatic escape, Chen Guangcheng sought refuse in the US embassy in Beijing. CCS urges US authorities to grant asylum to Chen and to his family.
Read our letter:
May 1, 2012
The Hon. Hillary R. Clinton
Secretary of State
US Department of State
2201 C Street NW
Dear Secretary Clinton:
We are an independent organization of scientists, physicians, engineers and scholars, devoted to the protection and advancement of human rights and scientific freedom for colleagues all over the world. We are writing now in concern for Chen Guangchen.
As reported in news reports, Chen Guangcheng, a self-taught lawyer who had defended Chinese families forced to undergo sterilization or abortions under Chinese law, has sought asylum in the US Embassy in Beijing. Previously, Mr. Chen had been imprisoned on trumped up charges for four years and, upon his release, held as a prisoner in his home without charge or sentence for 19 months. When he complained to the authorites, he and his wife were severely beaten.
In China, human rights are routinely violated by disregard of due process and the equal administration of law. We have shared with your office many similar cases of violation of human rights during the past forty years of our activity. Unlike some other Chinese dissidents who were punished for exercising their rights to free speech, Chen only asserted the right to invoke the protection of Chinese law and procedure.
The fact that Chen sought asylum in the US Embassy shows that the US is still viewed as a beacon of freedom by many around the world. Our protection of political refugees has enriched our country and promoted freedom abroad. Wanton disregard of human rights, including the right to due process of law, also threatens the US in its relationship to China.
We therefore urge you to grant Chen and his family asylum in the United States. We also urge you to insist that Chinese authorities release relatives and friends who have been detained after his escape who have committed no crime since Chen had been held without charges. While Chen has stated that he would prefer to remain in his native country to practice his profession, past history makes it unlikely that he can do that safely.
Sincerely,
Eugene ChudnovskyAlexander Greer
Joel Lebowitz
Walter Reich
Paul Plotz
Co-Chairs, Committee of Concerned Scientists
Copies To:
Michael H. Posner
Assistant Secretary of State
US Department of State
2201 C Street NW
Washington DC 20520