Huang Qi, a computer engineer in China, has been detained since November 2016. He was arrested allegedly for his role as founder of a human rights focused website, 64 Tianwang. He established the website over 20 years ago but has been recently accused of “leaking state secrets.” He has not, as yet, been charged and legal documents have not been shared with Huang or his lawyer. He reports he is unaware of any information regarding the action for which he has been accused.
His Excellency Xi Jinping
President
The State Council General Office
2 Fuyoujie
Xichengqu, Beijingshi 100017
People’s Republic of ChinaYour Excellency:
The Committee of Concerned Scientists is 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 write to express our grave concerns for Huang Qi, a computer engineer who has been detained for over a year. His arrest in late November 2016 was allegedly in connection to his role as a founder of “64 Tianwang,” a human rights focused website he established 20 years ago and continues to lead. Since his imprisonment, it is reported that he has been beaten by other detainees, with the full knowledge of prison officials, and denied basic necessities like toilet paper, toothpaste, and even food.
We are concerned for the health of Huang Qi under such conditions, as he suffers from kidney disease and heart and lung conditions. Shortly after his arrest his family was told the accusation was “leaking state secrets,” but it is unclear with what, if anything, he has been charged. Legal documents are not being shared with him or his lawyers.
Peaceful political criticism and advocacy on behalf of human rights is no crime. If Huang Qi is being held and mistreated for his role in “64 Tianwang” then he should be released immediately and unconditionally. Under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which China has signed, these activities constitute protected free expression. Additionally, under the ICCPR, Huang Qi has the right to a prompt and fair trial.
While he remains in detention, we urge you to ensure that his safety be assured and that he is given adequate access to his family, legal representation, and medical care, as required under the U.N. Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Nelson Mandela Rules).
Sincerely,
Joel L. Lebowitz, Paul H. Plotz, Walter Reich, Eugene M. Chudnovsky, Alexander Greer
Co-Chairs, Committee of Concerned Scientists
cc:
Qiao Yuejun
Director
Mianyang City Detention Centre
Jianmenlu, Peichengqu,
Mianyangshi, Sichuansheng 621000
People’s Republic of China
Fax: +86 816 2377600
Ren Shilin
Director
Mianyang City Public Security Bureau
17 Jiefangjie, Peichengqu,
Mianyangshi, Sichuansheng 621000
People’s Republic of China
Tel: +86 816 2498088
Zhao Kezhi Buzhang Gonganbu
Minister of Public Security
14 Dongchanganjie
Dongchengqu, Beijingshi 100741
People’s Republic of China
Tel: +86 10 66262114
Email: gabzfwz@mps.gov.cn