Xu Zhiyong, former law lecturer arrested in February for attendance at a meeting of human rights advocates. CCS writes President of China requesting review of the situation.
April 3, 2020
His Excellency Xi Jinping
President
The State Council General Office
2 Fuyoujie
Xichengqu, Beijingshi 100017
People’s Republic of China
Your 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 concern over the treatment of Xu Zhiyong, a former law lecturer and founder of the New Citizens Movement who was arrested in Guangzhou on February 15. Xu was arrested for attendance at a meeting of human rights advocates in December and other charges.
He is being held incommunicado under “residential surveillance” while he is investigated for subversion; his girlfriend, Li Qiaochu, is also being held under “residential surveillance” We are concerned that this form of detention could lead to either or both of them being tortured.
We ask that Xu Zhiyong and Li Qiaochu be released as their actions are in the interest of the Chinese people.
Thank you for your attention to this most important matter.
Sincerely,
Joel L. Lebowitz, Paul H. Plotz, Walter Reich, Eugene M. Chudnovsky, Alexander Greer
Co-Chairs, Committee of Concerned Scientists
Cc:
Ambassador Cui Tiankai
Embassy of the People’s Republic of China
3505 International Place, NW
Washington, DC 20008
Phone: 1 202 495 2266
Fax: 1 202 495 2138
Email: chinaembpress_us@mfa.gov.cn OR chineseembassyspokesperson@gmail.com
President Donald J. Trump
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20500
The Honorable Mike Pompeo
Secretary of State
U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street, NW
Washington, DC 20520
