Human Rights Defenders in China
Respect the Rights of Rights Defenders!
Human rights defenders in China who attempt to report on human rights violations, challenge policies which are deemed politically sensitive, or try to rally others to their cause, face serious risk of abuse. Several activists based in Beijing have experienced growing harassment and surveillance as the Olympics approach. Abuses against human rights defenders in other parts of China also appear to be rising as attention is focused on Beijing ahead of the Olympics.
More information on Human Rights in China >>
Amnesty International is calling upon the authorities to cease arbitrary detention, intimidation or harassment of activists and human rights defenders, and to release those currently imprisoned. In addition the authorities should ensure that all activists and human rights defenders are free to highlight issues of legitimate concern, including in media, without fear of penalty or harassment.
Make Way For the Olympics
Forced eviction has become an issue nationwide in China, but is also closely linked with preparation for the Olympics. In many areas of Beijing, families are engaged in disputes with the Chinese authorities over land seizures and in adequate levels of compensation for their property. Some residents have been detained for taking part in demonstrations protesting against their treatment at the hands of Chinese officials.
Want more information? Download an issue brief (PDF) about human rights defenders in China
Featured Case: YE Guozhu
Ye Guozhu was sentenced to four years' imprisonment in 2004 after applying for permission to organize a demonstration against Olympics-related forced evictions. He has been tortured in detention in Beijing.
Want to learn more and take action on behalf of Ye Guozhu?
- Download a casesheet (PDF) with letter-writing action
- Download a petition (PDF) to Wen Jiabao, Prime Minister of the People's Republic of China
- Download a postcard (PDF) to Guo Jinlong, Acting Mayor of the Beijing Municipal People's Government
Featured Case: CHEN Guangcheng
Chen Guangcheng, a lawyer, was sentenced to more than four years in prison in 2006 for "damaging public property and gathering people to block traffic." Amnesty International believes he was detained and tried to prevent him from carrying out legitimate human rights activities, including efforts to bring local official to justice for conducting a campaign of forced abortions and sterilizations.
Want to learn more and take action on behalf of Chen Guangcheng?
- Download a casesheet (PDF) with letter-writing action.
- Download a petition (PDF) to Wu Aiying, Minister of Justice of the People's Republic of China
- Download a postcard (PDF) to Zhang Shaojun, Mayor of the Linyi City People's Government
Featured Case: Tiananmen Mothers
The Tiananmen Mothers is a group of around 130 human rights defenders, women and men, whose children and other close relatives were killed or injured during the military crackdown on the 1989 protestors. The Chinese government refuses to respond to long-standing calls for justice by the victims and their families.
Want to learn more and take action in support of the Tiananmen Mothers?
