Huang Qi, Prisoner of Conscience, Sichuan Province

Jin Haike, Xu Wei, Yang Zili and Zhang HonghaiJin Haike, Xu Wei, Yang Zili and Zhang Honghai, Prisoners of Conscience, Beijing

Qi YanchenQi Yanchen, Prisoner of Conscience, Hebei Province

Chen Shaowen, Prisoner of Conscience, Hunan Province

Li Dawei, Prisoner of Conscience, Gansu Province

Liu Haofeng, Prisoner of Conscience, Shanghai

Wang Jinbo, Prisoner of Conscience, Shandong Province

Dong Yanhong, Liu Wenyu, Meng Jun, Wang Xin, Wang Xuefei and Yao Yue, Prisoners of Conscience, Beijing and Shanghai

Chen Qiulan, Death in Custody, Heilongjiang Province

Li Changjun, Death in Custody, Hubei Province

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Huang Qi, Prisoner of Conscience, Sichuan Province

Huang Qi, a computer engineer, was detained on 3 June 2000 with his wife, Zeng Li, for reportedly setting up China's first domestic human rights website. Both were detained on the eve of the 11th anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen pro-democracy protests. Zeng Li was released several days later. In January 2001, Huang Qi was charged with "subversion". He was tried in August 2001 but no verdict was announced. He has now spent two-and-a-half years in detention.

In October 1998, Huang Qi and his wife, launched the Tianwang website, www.6-4tianwang.com, a missing persons search service on the Internet based in Chengdu. The site developed into a discussion forum for users to publicise abuse of power by local officials, and included information about the independence movement in the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region and the banned spiritual group Falun Gong. On the eve of the 11th anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen crackdown, the day of Huang Qi's arrest, messages critical of the authorities were posted on his website, including an account by a mother who accused police of having beaten her son to death during the 1989 pro-democracy protests. According to a report(1) the website was later closed down by the Chengdu Public Security Bureau.

A first court hearing of Huang Qi's case was held on 13 February 2001. The European Union and the American Consulate in Chengdu reportedly tried to send diplomatic representatives to attend the trial but were turned away. The trial was reportedly postponed because Huang Qi collapsed in court. His trial was rescheduled for 23 February 2001 but proceedings were postponed once again, apparently because of Huang Qi's poor health. He was brought to trial again on 14 August 2001 by the Chengdu Intermediate People's Court but the trial was held in secret. No family members were allowed to attend, and no verdict or sentence have been made public.

In an open letter written in prison in 2001, Huang Qi described how he was ill-treated and beaten by three policemen after his arrest. He also stated that he had tried to commit suicide but was prevented from doing so. His wife and young son have reportedly never been allowed to visit him while in detention and his lawyer was permitted to visit him only once after his arrest in June 2000.
Shortly before his arrest, the following is the last message Huang Qi wrote on his website:

"The road is still long. Thank you everybody. Thanks to all who make an effort on behalf of democracy in China. They have come. So long."

China linked up with the global Internet in 1994. A year later it became commercially available. Since then the Chinese authorities have introduced greater controls on its use as the Internet has spread quickly in China. Scores of rules and regulations have been introduced, equipment confiscated, sites banned, and Internet cafes controlled and shut down throughout China. Many political activists have been arrested and sentenced often after being charged with "subversion" for Internet-related "offences" in blatant disregard of fundamental international human rights law guaranteeing freedom of opinion and expression.

See People's Republic of China: State Control of the Internet in China. ASA 17/007/02, November 2002.

Please send appeals for Huang Qi:

• Calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Huang Qi, a prisoner of conscience, held for over two-and-a-half years in incommunicado detention for the peaceful exercise of his right to freedom of opinion and expression.
• Expressing concern that his trial, as yet unconcluded, was held in secret, and does not appear to have met international standards for fair trial.
• Calling for an open and impartial inquiry into the allegations of torture and ill-treatment and that those found responsible be brought to justice in accordance with the provisions of the UN Convention against Torture and Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment ratified by China in 1988.
• Urging that Huang Qi receives proper and adequate medical care while in detention and that he be allowed visits by his lawyer and family in accordance with the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners.
• Urging that steps be taken to ensure that everyone in China is able to use the Internet to receive and transmit their beliefs and opinions in line with their fundamental human rights to freedom of opinion and expression.

Acting Governor of the Sichuan Provincial People's Government
ZHANG Zhongwei Daishengzhang
Sichuansheng Renmin Zhengfu
Duyuanjie
Chengdushi
Sichuansheng
People's Republic of China
Salutation: Dear Governor

Chief Procurator of the Sichuan Provincial People's Procuratorate
CHEN Wenqing Jianchazhang
Sichuansheng Renmin Jianchayuan
Chengdushi
Sichuansheng
People's Republic of China
Salutation: Dear Sir

President of the Sichuan Provincial High People's Court
JING Ruixiang Yuanzhang
Sichuansheng Gaoji Renmin Fayuan
Chengdushi
Sichuansheng
People's Republic of China
Salutation: Dear President

Director of the Sichuan Provincial Department of Public Security
LU Zhuo Tingzhang
Gong'anting
40 Wenmeiaohoujie
Chengdushi 610041
Sichuansheng
People's Republic of China
Salutation: Dear Director

Copies to:

Director of Ministry of Information Industry
WU Jichuan
13 Xichang'anjie
Beijingshi 100804
People's Republic of China
Salutation: Dear Director

Minister of State Security of the People's Republic of China
XU Yongyue Anquanbuzhang
14 Dongchanganjie
Beijingshi 100741
People's Republic of China
Salutation: Your Excellency


Please send appeals in Chinese, English or your own language with a copy also to the Chinese diplomatic representatives in your country.

Jin Haike, Xu Wei, Yang Zili and Zhang HonghaiJin Haike, Xu Wei, Yang Zili and Zhang Honghai, Prisoners of Conscience, Beijing

Jin Haike, Xu Wei, Yang Zili and Zhang Honghai, all members of a study group called the New Youth Study Group (Xin Qingnian Xuehui), were detained on 13 March 2001. The New Youth Study Group was an informal group of individuals who met regularly to explore topics related to political and social reform including the promotion and observance of democratic voting procedures in the election of village committees. The Internet was reportedly used by the Study Group to disseminate articles.

All were formally charged with "subverting the state power" on 20 April 2001 under Article 105 of the Criminal Law. A trial was held on 28 September 2001 at the Beijing Intermediate People's Court. This was adjourned after four hours and no verdict was announced.
Over a year later there still has been no official announcement on the verdict, and it is unclear where the four are held. If sentenced the four could receive sentences of up to ten years' imprisonment.

According to the indictment the defendants had proposed changing the current political regime in China, setting up branch groups and publishing articles on the Internet, establishing web sites and distributing information and articles written by the group, in particular "Be a new citizen, reform China" and "What's to be done".

The defendants' families received the indictment on 19 September 2001, less than 10 days before the trial. The trial was reportedly attended by three family members, two other people and the rest of the seats were occupied by officials. Three of the defendants were represented by lawyers but Zhang Honghai had no legal representation.

Yang Zili, a writer and computer engineer, is well known in academic circles for his technological expertise in evading government firewalls and setting up e-mail accounts that could not be monitored by the authorities. Yang had his own website entitled, "Yang Zili's Garden of Ideas" featuring poems, essays and reports by various authors, with subjects ranging from rural elections to political reform. The website was reportedly shut down by the authorities soon after Yang's arrest. Jin Haike is a geophysicist and worked at the Geological Survey Institute and Xu Wei is a reporter and editor of the Consumer Daily newspaper. Zhang Honghai is a freelance writer.

China linked up with the global Internet in 1994. A year later it became commercially available. Since then the Chinese authorities have introduced greater controls on its use as the Internet has spread quickly in China. Scores of rules and regulations have been introduced, equipment confiscated, sites banned, and Internet cafes controlled and shut down throughout China. Many political activists have been arrested and sentenced often after being charged with "subversion" for Internet-related "offences" in blatant disregard of fundamental international human rights law guaranteeing freedom of opinion and expression.

See People's Republic of China: State Control of the Internet in China. ASA 17/007/02, November 2002.

Please send appeals for Jin Haike, Xu Wei, Yang Zili and Zhang Honghai:

• Calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Jin Haike, Xu Wei, Yang Zili and Zhang Honghai as prisoners of conscience held for the peaceful exercise of their right to freedom of expression and association.
• Expressing concern that they have been detained for over 18 months, most of the time incommunicado, and urging that they are given immediate and regular access to lawyers and their families.
• Urging that steps are taken to ensure that everyone in China is able to use the Internet to receive and transmit their beliefs and opinions in line with their fundamental human rights to freedom of opinion and expression.

Mayor of Beijing Municipal People's Government
LIU Qi Shizhang
Beijingshi Renmin Zhengfu
2 Zhengyilu
Dongchengqu
Beijingshi 100744
People's Republic of China
Salutation: Dear Mayor

Director of the Beijing Public Security Bureau
MA Zhenchuan Juzhang
Gong'anju
19 Qianmen Dongdajie
Xuanwuqu
Beijingshi 100740
People's Republic of China
Salutation: Dear Director

President of Beijing Municipal High
People's Court
QIN Zhengan Yuanzhang
Beijingshi Gaoji Renmin Fayuan
215 Xiheyan
Chongwenqu
Beijingshi 100051
People's Republic of China
Salutation: Dear President

Copies to:

Director of Ministry of Information Industry
WU Jichuan
13 Xichang'anjie
Beijingshi 100804
People's Republic of China
Salutation: Dear Director

Minister of State Security of the People's Republic of China
XU Yongyue Anquanbuzhang
14 Dongchanganjie
Beijingshi 100741
People's Republic of China
Salutation: Your Excellency


Qi YanchenQi Yanchen, Prisoner of Conscience, Hebei Province

Qi Yanchen, an economist and a freelance writer, was detained on 2 September 1999 in Cangzhou, Hebei Province for allegedly "spreading anti-government messages via the Internet". This reportedly included posting parts of his book, The Collapse of China, on the Internet. The book explored social instability in China and urged political reforms to avoid future turmoil in the country. He was also accused of posting articles, under a pen name, about the banned Falun Gong spiritual movement. These articles appeared in publications printed in Hong Kong and in the electronic newsletter VIP Reference, published by overseas Chinese living in the USA.

Qi Yanchen was charged with "subversion" and "diffusion of anti-governmental news via the Internet". He was tried by the Cangzhou Intermediate People's Court. The trial, which reportedly took place on 31 May 2000, lasted four-and-a-half hours; his family were not informed of the trial. On 19 September 2000 it was announced that Qi had been sentenced to four years' imprisonment. According to unofficial sources, his wife intended to appeal against the verdict, but the lawyer was unable to proceed with the appeal because of pressure from the State Security Bureau. According to his wife, Qi Yanchen suffers from serious gallstones.

Qi Yanchen, aged 38, is the father of two children. He was a founding member of the China Development Union (CDU), a non-governmental organization focussing on environmental issues and promoting political reform, which was banned in December 1998.

China linked up with the global Internet in 1994. A year later it became commercially available. Since then the Chinese authorities have introduced greater controls on its use as the Internet has spread quickly in China. Scores of rules and regulations have been introduced, equipment confiscated, sites banned, and Internet cafes controlled and shut down throughout China. Many political activists have been arrested and sentenced often after being charged with "subversion" for Internet-related "offences" in blatant disregard of fundamental international human rights law guaranteeing freedom of opinion and expression.

See People's Republic of China: State Control of the Internet in China. ASA 17/007/02, November 2002.

Please send appeals for Qi Yanchen:

• Calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Qi Yanchen as a prisoner of conscience imprisoned for the peaceful exercise of his right to freedom of expression and association.
• Expressing concern that his trial did not meet international standards for fair trial.
• Expressing concern about Qi Yanchen's state of health, and calling that he be given full access to adequate medical treatment in accordance with the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners.
• Urging that steps be taken to ensure that everyone in China is able to use the Internet to receive and transmit their beliefs and opinions in line with their fundamental human rights to freedom of opinion and expression.

Governor of the Hebei Provincial People's Government
NIU Maosheng Shengzhang
Hebeisheng Renmin Zhengfu
10 Weiming Jie
Shijiazhuangshi
Hebeisheng 050053
People's Republic of China
Salutation: Dear Governor

Director of the Hebei Provincial Department of Public Security
YU Dinghai Tingzhang
Gong'anting
Zhongshanlu Zhonglu
Shijiazhuangshi 050051
Hebeisheng
People's Republic of China
Salutation: Dear Director

President of the Hebei Provincial High
People's Court
LI Yucheng Yuanzhang
Hebeisheng Gaoji Renmin Fayuan
Shijiazhuangshi
Hebeisheng 050051
People's Republic of China
Salutation: Dear President

Copies to:

Director of Ministry of Information Industry
WU Jichuan
13 Xichang'anjie
Beijingshi 100804
People's Republic of China
Salutation: Dear Director

Minister of State Security of the People's Republic of China
XU Yongyue Anquanbuzhang
14 Dongchanganjie
Beijingshi 100741
People's Republic of China
Salutation: Your Excellency

Chen Shaowen, Prisoner of Conscience, Hunan Province

Chen Shaowen, a writer, was reportedly detained on 6 August 2002 after posting "up to 40 reactionary articles and essays" on the Internet. He was later charged with "subverting state power" according to an official report in the Hunan Daily dated 14 September. The newspaper said Chen was accused of falsifying information and "slandering the Chinese Communist Party".

The Hunan Daily also accused him of "browsing repeatedly reactionary web sites, sending in numerous articles of all sorts, fabricating, distorting and exaggerating relevant facts, and vilifying the Chinese Communist Party and socialist system", and subscribing to various online overseas publications.

Chen had reportedly written many articles for a number of overseas Chinese-language websites. These called for independent labour and farmers' unions and raised issues such as China's unemployment problems, social inequalities and flaws within the legal system.

Chen, aged 40, had worked as a police officer until 1989 when he lost his job due to the speeches he gave in support of the 1989 pro-democracy movement. His recent arrest has come at a time of heightened security in advance of the 16th Communist Party Congress meeting in November, 2002.

China linked up with the global Internet in 1994. A year later it became commercially available. Since then the Chinese authorities have introduced greater controls on its use as the Internet has spread quickly in China. Scores of rules and regulations have been introduced, equipment confiscated, sites banned, and Internet cafes controlled and shut down throughout China. Many political activists have been arrested and sentenced often after being charged with "subversion" for Internet-related "offences" in blatant disregard of fundamental international human rights law guaranteeing freedom of opinion and expression.

See People's Republic of China: State Control of the Internet in China. ASA 17/007/02, November 2002.

Please send appeals for Chen Shaowen:

• Calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Chen Shaowen as a prisoner of conscience detained solely for the peaceful exercise of his right to freedom of expression and association.
• Urging that steps be taken to ensure that everyone in China is able to use the Internet to receive and transmit their beliefs and opinions in line with their fundamental human rights to freedom of opinion and expression.

Acting Governor of the Hunan Provincial People's Government
ZHANG Yunchuan Daishengzhang
Hunansheng Renmin Zhengfu
69 Wuyizhonglu
Changsashi 410011
Hunansheng
People's Republic of China
Salutation: Dear Governor

Director of the Hunan Provincial Department of Public Security
ZHANG Shuhai Tingzhang
Gong'anting
192 Bayilu
Changshashi 410001
Hunansheng
People's Republic of China
Salutation: Dear Director

Chief Procurator of the Hunan Provincial People's Procuratorate
LI Zhihui Jianchazhang
Hunansheng Renmin Jianchayuan
Changshashi
Hunansheng
People's Republic of China
Salutation: Dear Sir

Copies to:

Director of Ministry of Information Industry
WU Jichuan
13 Xichang'anjie
Beijingshi 100804
People's Republic of China
Salutation: Dear Director

Minister of State Security of the People's Republic of China
XU Yongyue Anquanbuzhang
14 Dongchanganjie
Beijingshi 100741
People's Republic of China
Salutation: Your Excellency



Please send appeals in Chinese, English or your own language with a copy also to the Chinese diplomatic representatives in your country.

Li Dawei, Prisoner of Conscience, Gansu Province

Li Dawei, a former police officer, was detained on 14 April 2001 in Tianshui, Gansu Province. He was accused of downloading more than 500 articles from Chinese democracy websites abroad, to have edited them and compiled them into a number of unpublished books and to have used the Internet to contact "reactionary" organizations abroad.

Li Dawei, aged 44, was charged with "subversion" on 22 April 2001, and tried in May 2001. Over 12 months later on 24 July 2002, the Tianshui City Intermediate People's Court announced that Li Dawei had been sentenced to 11 years' imprisonment. This is one of the longest sentences passed against someone accused of Internet-related offences. He has appealed against the 11-year sentence and, according to his lawyer, the appeal has been accepted but a date for the hearing has yet to be set. Family members have not been allowed to visit Li Dawei since his trial in May 2001.

Li Dawei has been harassed several times in the past by the authorities for his pro-democracy activities.
China linked up with the global Internet in 1994. A year later it became commercially available. Since then the Chinese authorities have introduced greater controls on its use as the Internet has spread quickly in China. Scores of rules and regulations have been introduced, equipment confiscated, sites banned, and Internet cafes controlled and shut down throughout China. Many political activists have been arrested and sentenced often after being charged with "subversion" for Internet-related "offences" in blatant disregard of fundamental international human rights law guaranteeing freedom of opinion and expression.

See People's Republic of China: State Control of the Internet in China. ASA 17/007/02, November 2002.

Please send appeals for Li Dawei:

• Calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Li Dawei as a prisoner of conscience imprisoned for the peaceful exercise of his right to freedom of expression and association.
• Urging that Li Dawei be given immediate access to his family and lawyer in accordance with the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners.
• Asking for information about Li Dawei's trial and information on where he is being held.
• Urging that steps are taken to ensure that everyone in China is able to use the Internet to receive and transmit their beliefs and opinions in line with their fundamental human rights to freedom of opinion and expression.

Governor of the Gansu Provincial People's Government
LU Hao Shengzhang
Gansusheng Renmin Zhengfu
1 Zhongyang, Guangchangqu
Lanzhoushi 730030
Gansusheng
People's Republic of China
Salutation: Dear Governor

Director of the Gansu Provincial Department of Public Security
HAO Hongtao Tingzhang
Gong'anting
38 Qingyanglu, Chengguanqu
Lanzhoushi 730030
Gansusheng
People's Republic of China
Salutation: Dear Director

President of the Gansu Provincial High
People's Court
ZHANG Shulan Daiyuanzhang
Gansusheng Gaoji Renmin Fayuan
Lanzhoushi
Gansusheng
People's Republic of China
Salutation: Dear President

Copies to:

Director of Ministry of Information Industry
WU Jichuan
13 Xichang'anjie
Beijingshi 100804
People's Republic of China
Salutation: Dear Director

Minister of State Security of the People's Republic of China
XU Yongyue Anquanbuzhang
14 Dongchanganjie
Beijingshi 100741
People's Republic of China
Salutation: Your Excellency


Please send appeals in Chinese, English or your own language with a copy also to the Chinese diplomatic representatives in your country.

Liu Haofeng, Prisoner of Conscience, Shanghai

Liu Haofeng, a journalist working with the China Market Economy Newspaper, was secretly arrested in March 2001 in Shanghai after writing two articles which had appeared on a website in California, USA, run by the China Democracy Party (CDP) which is banned in China. Liu Haofeng, was a member of the CDP, had moved to Shanghai in March 2001.

According to a document dated 16 May 2001, issued by the Shanghai Re-Education through Labour Committee(2), Liu Haofeng was assigned without charge or trial to three years' re-education through labour for "endangering state security". Liu Haofeng was accused of being involved in clandestine actions on behalf of the CDP abroad. In August 2001, five months after his arrest, Liu's family was officially informed that their son had been assigned to a labour camp for three years.

Liu Haofeng had also been active in a project with a Beijing-based economic research institute which commissioned Liu to educate Chinese rural communities about self-governance, local democracy and the promotion of rural development in China.

The China Democracy Party was founded in Zhejiang Province in 1998 by a group of well-known dissidents. Within hours of trying to officially register the CDP in July 1998 as a non-violent opposition political party, key members of the CDP were arrested, and arrests continued throughout China. Some of the CDP's main leaders have been sentenced to prison terms of up to 13 years.

China linked up with the global Internet in 1994. A year later it became commercially available. Since then the Chinese authorities have introduced greater controls on its use as the Internet has spread quickly in China. Scores of rules and regulations have been introduced, equipment confiscated, sites banned, and Internet cafes controlled and shut down throughout China. Many political activists have been arrested and sentenced often after being charged with "subversion" for Internet-related "offences" in blatant disregard of fundamental international human rights law guaranteeing freedom of opinion and expression.

See People's Republic of China: State Control of the Internet in China. ASA 17/007/02, November 2002.

Please send appeals for Liu Haofeng:

• Calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Liu Haofeng as a prisoner of conscience held for the peaceful exercise of his right to freedom of expression and association.
• Calling for a repeal of the provisions on "re-education through labour" which allow for arbitrary detention without charge or trial.
• Urging that steps are taken to ensure that everyone in China is able to use the Internet to receive and transmit their beliefs and opinions in line with their fundamental human rights to freedom of opinion and expression.

Mayor of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government
CHEN Liangyu Shizhang
Shanghaishi Renmin Zhengfu
30 Fuzhoulu
Shanghaishi 200002
People's Republic of China
Salutation: Dear Mayor

Director of the Shanghai Bureau of Public Security
LIU Yungeng Juzhang
Gong'anju
185 Fuzhoulu
Shanghaishi 200002
People's Republic of China
Salutation: Dear Director

Director of the Shanghai Bureau of Reform-
through-Labour
Juzhang
Shanghai Laogajiu
147 Changyanglu
Shanghaishi 200082
People's Republic of China
Salutation: Dear Director

Copies to:

Director of Ministry of Information Industry
WU Jichuan
13 Xichang'anjie
Beijingshi 100804
People's Republic of China
Salutation: Dear Director
Minister of State Security of the People's Republic of China
XU Yongyue Anquanbuzhang
14 Dongchanganjie
Beijingshi 10074
People's Republic of China
Salutation: Your Excellency


Please send appeals in Chinese, English or your own language with a copy also to the Chinese diplomatic representatives in your country.
Wang Jinbo, Prisoner of Conscience, Shandong Province

Wang Jinbo, a 30-year-old former employee of a Pharmaceutical Corporation in Shandong Province and a member of the banned China Democracy Party (CDP), was arrested in May 2001. Three months later in August, he was charged with "inciting the subversion of state power". The charge reportedly related to articles he had sent to overseas organizations via the Internet, calling for a re-evaluation of the 1989 Tiananmen protests and the release of political prisoners in China.

He was tried on 14 November 2001 by the Linyi Intermediate People's Court, in Shandong Province. No family members were permitted to attend the trial. On 13 December 2001 it was officially announced that Wang Jinbo had been sentenced to four years' imprisonment. He appealed against the verdict but the appeal was unsuccessful.

Wang Jinbo had already been detained several times for his political activities. In February 2001 he was detained as one of 28 dissidents who had sent a letter to the International Olympic Committee arguing that the suppression of political dissidents in China was a violation of the Olympic spirit(3).

Since his arrest in May 2001, Wang Jinbo has reportedly conducted at least five hunger strikes to protest against the authorities' refusal to allow visits from his family.

A Chinese Embassy official said in a letter published in the Washington Post in January 2002 that "Wang Jinbo's case is purely a legal one and has nothing to do with freedom of speech".

The China Democracy Party was founded in Zhejiang Province in 1998 by a group of well-known dissidents. Within hours of trying to officially register the CDP in July 1998, as a non-violent opposition political party, key members of the CDP were arrested, and arrests continued throughout China. Some of the CDP's main leaders have been sentenced to prison terms of up to 13 years.

China linked up with the global Internet in 1994. A year later it became commercially available. Since then the Chinese authorities have introduced greater controls on its use as the Internet has spread quickly in China. Scores of rules and regulations have been introduced, equipment confiscated, sites banned, and Internet cafes controlled and shut down throughout China. Many political activists have been arrested and sentenced often after being charged with "subversion" for Internet-related "offences" in blatant disregard of fundamental international human rights law guaranteeing freedom of opinion and expression.

See People's Republic of China: State Control of the Internet in China. ASA 17/007/02, November 2002.

Please send appeals for Wang Jinbo:

• Calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Wang Jinbo as a prisoner of conscience imprisoned for the peaceful exercise of his right to freedom of expression and association.
• Expressing concern that his trial did not meet with the international standards for fair trial.
• Expressing concern about Wang Jinbo's state of health, and urging that he be given full access to adequate medical treatment and be allowed visits from his family in accordance with the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners.
• Urging that steps are taken to ensure that everyone in China is able to use the Internet to receive and transmit their beliefs and opinions in line with their fundamental human rights to freedom of opinion and expression.

Acting Governor of the Shandong Provincial People's Government
ZHANG Gaoli Daishengzhang
Shandongsheng Renmin Zhengfu
1 Shengfuqianjie
Jinanshi
Shandongsheng
People's Republic of China
Salutation: Dear Governor

Director of the Shandong Provincial Department of Public Security
GAO Xinting Tingzhang
Gong'anting
185 Jing'erlu
Jinanshi 250001
Shandongsheng
People's Republic of China
Salutation: Dear Director

President of the Shandong Provincial High People's Court
YIN Zhongxian Yuanzhang
Shandongsheng Gaoji Renmin Fayuan
Jinanshi
Shandongsheng
People's Republic of China
Salutation: Dear President

Copies to:

Director of Ministry of Information Industry
WU Jichuan
13 Xichang'anjie
Beijingshi 100804
People's Republic of China
Salutation: Dear Director
Minister of State Security of the People's Republic of China
XU Yongyue Anquanbuzhang
14 Dongchanganjie
Beijingshi 100741
People's Republic of China
Salutation: Your Excellency


Please send appeals in Chinese, English or your own language with a copy also to the Chinese diplomatic representatives in your country.

Dong Yanhong, Liu Wenyu, Meng Jun, Wang Xin, Wang Xuefei and Yao Yue, Prisoners of Conscience, Beijing and Shanghai

Six Falun Gong practitioners, Dong Yanhong, Liu Wenyu, Meng Jun, Wang Xin, Wang Xuefei and Yao Yue, were secretly tried on 13 December 2001 in the Beijing Intermediate People's Court. All defendants were charged with using a heretical organization" to undermine the implementation of the law for downloading information from Falun Gong websites and printing leaflets for distribution on Beijing streets. They were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 3 to 12 years as follows:

• Dong Yanhong, aged 30, a female employee of Qinghua University, Beijing, was detained in January 2001. She reportedly refused to renounce her beliefs in FLG, and was sentenced to five years' imprisonment.

• Liu Wenyu and her husband Yao Yue, both aged 29 and students from Qinghua University, were arrested at their home on 1 January 2001. They had been detained previously for short periods, and Yao Yue had been expelled from his university and from the Chinese Communist Party for practising Falun Gong exercises on campus. Liu Wenyu had also been expelled from the university. Liu Wenyu was sentenced to three years' imprisonment and Yao Yue to twelve years' imprisonment.

• Meng Jun, aged 29, an associate lecturer in engineering from Qinghua University, was forced to leave his work as a lecturer. Meng Jun has been detained on a number of occasions for activities in connection with the Falun Gong movement. He was sentenced to ten years' imprisonment and reportedly beaten in detention.

• Wang Xin, an engineering student from Qinghua University, was suspended from the university in October 1999 because he practised Falun Gong. He was sentenced to nine years' imprisonment.

• Wang Xuefei, a student from Shanghai City University, was sentenced to eleven years' imprisonment.

In July 1999, the Falun Gong was banned by the Chinese government as a "threat to social and political stability". Since then, tens of thousands of its practitioners have been arbitrarily detained by police and put under pressure to renounce their beliefs. Some have been detained in psychiatric hospitals, others have been charged with crimes and sentenced under the Criminal Law after unfair trials, while the majority have been sent to labour camps without trial. Many have been tortured or ill-treated in detention and hundreds have reportedly died in custody as a result of torture.

The Chinese authorities have closed down websites, arrested and passed heavy sentences against those who disseminate, download, print or email information about the Falun Gong.

Amnesty International (AI) takes no position on Falun Gong as an organization or as a belief system. However, AI supports the right of Falun Gong practitioners to peacefully advocate their beliefs and to associate freely with each other in line with their fundamental human rights to freedom of expression and association.

China linked up with the global Internet in 1994. A year later it became commercially available. Since then the Chinese authorities have introduced greater controls on its use as the Internet has spread quickly in China. Scores of rules and regulations have been introduced, equipment confiscated, sites banned, and Internet cafes controlled and shut down throughout China. Many political activists have been arrested and sentenced often after being charged with "subversion" for Internet-related "offences" in blatant disregard of fundamental international human rights law guaranteeing freedom of opinion and expression.

See People's Republic of China: State Control of the Internet in China. ASA 17/007/02, November 2002.

Please send appeals for Dong Yanhong, Liu Wenyu, Meng Jun, Wang Xin, Wang Xuefei and Yao Yue:

• Calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Dong Yanhong, Liu Wenyu, Meng Jun, Wang Xin, Wang Xuefei and Yao Yue as prisoners of conscience held for the peaceful exercise of their right to freedom of expression and association.
• Expressing concern at the number of reports of torture and ill-treatment of Falun Gong members, and urging that all allegations be investigated in accordance with China's obligations under the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, ratified by China in 1988.
• Urging that steps be taken to ensure that everyone in China is able to use the Internet to receive and transmit their beliefs and opinion sin line with their fundamental human rights to freedom of opinion and expression.

Mayor of Beijing Municipal People's Government
LIU Qi Shizhang
Beijingshi Renmin Zhengfu
2 Zhengyilu
Dongchengqu
Beijingshi 100744
People's Republic of China
Salutation: Dear Mayor

Chief Procurator of Beijing Municipal People's
Procuratorate
XU Fangba Jianchazhang
Beijingshi REnmin Jianchayuan
39 Dongjiaominxiang
Dongshengqu
Beijingshi 100006
People's Republic of China

President of Beijing Municipal High People's Court
QIN Zhengan Yuanzhang
Beijingshi Gaoji Renmin Fayuan
215 Xiheyan
Chongwenqu
Beijingshi 100051
People's Republic of China
Salutation: Dear President

Director of the Beijing Public Security Bureau
MA Zhenchuan Juzhang
Gong'anju
19 Qianmen Dongdajie
Xuanwuqu
Beijingshi 100740
People's Republic of China
Salutation: Dear Director

Salultation: Dear Sir

Copies to:

Director of Ministry of Information Industry
WU Jichuan
13 Xichang'anjie
Beijingshi 100804
People's Republic of China
Salutation: Dear Director

Minister of State Security of the People's Republic of China
XU Yongyue Anquanbuzhang
14 Dongchanganjie
Beijingshi 100741
People's Republic of China
Salutation: Your Excellency


Please send appeals in Chinese, English or your own language with a copy also to the Chinese diplomatic representatives in your country.

Chen Qiulan, Death in Custody, Heilongjiang Province

According to official sources, Chen Qiulan, a female Falun Gong practitioner, died in custody on 24 August 2001 at the Daqing City Detention Centre, Heilongjiang Province.

Chen Qiulan, aged 47, had been arrested in July 2001 for reportedly posting information about the Falun Gong spiritual movement on the Internet. Following her death, a police officer who refused to give his full name, only describing himself as Li, stated in a CNN report (4) that "coroners had determined it was a heart attack. There is no doubt. Her corpse was cremated with the approval of her family."

Falun Gong sources report that Chen Qiulan died due to torture having been beaten unconscious many times while in detention at the Daqing City Detention Centre and denied medical treatment.

In July 1999, the Falun Gong was banned by the Chinese government as a "threat to social and political stability". Since then, tens of thousands of its practitioners have been arbitrarily detained by police and put under pressure to renounce their beliefs. Some have been detained in psychiatric hospitals, others have been charged with crimes and sentenced under the Criminal Law after unfair trials, while the majority have been sent to labour camps without trial. Many have been tortured or ill-treated in detention and hundreds have reportedly died in custody as a result of torture.

The Chinese authorities have closed down websites, arrested and passed heavy sentences against those who disseminate, download, print or email information about the Falun Gong.

Amnesty International (AI) takes no position on Falun Gong as an organization or as a belief system. However, AI supports the right of Falun Gong practitioners to peacefully advocate their beliefs and to associate freely with each other in line with their fundamental human rights to freedom of expression and association.

China linked up with the global Internet in 1994. A year later it became commercially available. Since then the Chinese authorities have introduced greater controls on its use as the Internet has spread quickly in China. Scores of rules and regulations have been introduced, equipment confiscated, sites banned, and Internet cafes controlled and shut down throughout China. Many political activists have been arrested and sentenced often after being charged with "subversion" for Internet-related "offences" in blatant disregard of fundamental international human rights law guaranteeing freedom of opinion and expression.

See People's Republic of China: State Control of the Internet in China. ASA 17/007/02, November 2002.

Please send appeals for Chen Qiulan:

• Calling for an immediate and impartial investigation into the death in custody of Chen Qiulan, and urging that anyone found responsible be brought to justice.
• Expressing concern at the number of reports of deaths in custody of Falun Gong practitioners as a result of torture and ill-treatment.
• Expressing concern at the reports of torture and ill-treatment of Falun Gong practitioners, and urging that all allegations be investigated in accordance with China's obligations under the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, ratified by China in 1988.
• Urging that steps be taken to ensure that everyone in China is able to use the Internet to receive and transmit their beliefs and opinions in line with their fundamental human rights to freedom of opinion and expression.

Governor of the Heilongjiang Provincial People's Government
SONG Fatang Shengzhang
Heilongjiangsheng Renmin Zhengfu
202 Zhongshanlu
Haerbinshi 150001
Heilongjiangsheng
People's Republic of China
Salutation: Dear Governor

Director of the Heilongjiang Provincial Department of Public Security
Tingzhang
Gong'anting
95 Zhongshanlu
Haerbinshi 150001
Heilongjiangsheng
People's Republic of China
Salutation: Dear Director

Chief Procurator of the Heilongjiang
Provincial People's Procuratorate
YU Wanling Jianchazhang
Heilongjiangsheng
127 Zhongshanlu
Haerbinshi 150001
Heilongjiangsheng
People's Republic of China
Salutation: Dear Sir

Copies to:

Director of Ministry of Information Industry
WU Jichuan
13 Xichang'anjie
Beijingshi 100804
People's Republic of China
Salutation: Dear Director

Minister of State Security of the People's Republic of China
XU Yongyue Anquanbuzhang
14 Dongchanganjie
Beijingshi 100741
People's Republic of China
Salutation: Your Excellency


Please send appeals in Chinese, English or your own language with a copy also to the Chinese diplomatic representatives in your country.

Li Changjun, Death in Custody, Hubei Province

Li Changjun, a Falun Gong practitioner, was reportedly detained on 16 May 2001 for downloading and printing information from the Internet on the banned spiritual movement. Li had worked at the Wuhan Tax Bureau but was said to have lost his job for refusing to renounce his Falun Gong beliefs. He had reportedly been detained many times previously for his Falun Gong activities.

On 27 June 2001, 40 days after his arrest, the Wuhan police notified his family of his death. His mother, Wei Sumin was allowed to see her son's body shortly after he died and reportedly said after seeing him, "....he had only skin and bones left. His face and neck were black and blue. His fists were clenched. His teeth were out of place. His face was distorted. His whole back looked as if it was burned and cooked. The scene was horrifying."

Li Changjun, aged 33, had graduated as an engineer in July 1991 and continued his graduate studies in computer technology.

In July 1999, the Falun Gong was banned by the Chinese government as a "threat to social and political stability". Since then, tens of thousands of practitioners have been arbitrarily detained by police and put under pressure to renounce their beliefs. Some have been detained in psychiatric hospitals, others have been charged with crimes and sentenced under the Criminal Law after unfair trials, while the majority have been sent to labour camps without trial. Many have been tortured and ill-treated in detention and hundreds have reportedly died in custody as a result of torture.

The Chinese authorities have closed down websites, arrested and passed heavy sentences against those who disseminate, download, print or email information about the Falun Gong.

Amnesty International (AI) takes no position on Falun Gong as an organization or as a belief system. However, AI supports the right of Falun Gong practitioners to peacefully advocate their beliefs and to associate freely with each other in line with their fundamental human rights to freedom of expression and association.

China linked up with the global Internet in 1994. A year later it became commercially available. Since then the Chinese authorities have introduced greater controls on its use as the Internet has spread quickly in China. Scores of rules and regulations have been introduced, equipment confiscated, sites banned, and Internet cafes controlled and shut down throughout China. Many political activists have been arrested and sentenced often after being charged with "subversion" for Internet-related "offences" in blatant disregard of fundamental international human rights law guaranteeing freedom of opinion and expression.

See People's Republic of China: State Control of the Internet in China. ASA 17/007/02, November 2002.

Please send appeals for Li Changjun:

• Calling for an immediate and impartial investigation into the death in custody of Li Changjun, and urging that the authorities make the result of the investigation public.
• Expressing concern at the number of reports of deaths in custody of Falun Gong practitioners as a result of torture and ill-treatment.
• Expressing concern at the number of reports of torture and ill-treatment of Falun Gong members, and urging that all allegations be investigated in accordance with China's obligations under the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, ratified by China in 1988.
• Urging that steps are taken to ensure that everyone in China is able to use the Internet to receive and transmit their beliefs and opinions in line with their fundamental human rights to freedom of opinion and expression.

Governor of the Hubei Provincial People's Government
ZHANG Guoguang Shengzhang
Hubeisheng Renmin Zhengfu
1 Beihuanlu
Shuiguohu
Wuchangqu, Wuhanshi
Hubeisheng
People's Republic of China
Salutation: Dear Governor

Director of the Hubei Provincial Department of Public Security
CHEN Xunqiu Juzhang
Gong'anting
Fujiapo, Wuchang
Wuhanshi 430070
Hubeisheng
People's Republic of China
Salutation: Dear Director

Chief Procurator of the Hubei Provincial
People's Procuratorate
JIN Jun Jianchazhang
Hubeisheng Renmin Jianchayuan
Wuhanshi
Hubeisheng
People's Republic of China
Salutation: Dear Sir

Copies to:

Director of Ministry of Information Industry
WU Jichuan
13 Xichang'anjie
Beijingshi 100804
People's Republic of China
Salutation: Dear Director

Minister of State Security of the People's Republic of China
XU Yongyue Anquanbuzhang
14 Dongchanganjie
Beijingshi 100741
People's Republic of China
Salutation: Your Excellency

Please send appeals in Chinese, English or your own language with a copy also to the Chinese diplomatic representatives in your country.

(1) AFP, 7 June 2000
(2) 'Re-education through labour' is a form of administrative detention imposed outside the criminal justice system without charge or trial.
(3) Beijing has been selected to host the Olympics in 2008.
(4) CNN.com/2001/World/asiapcf/east/08/31/china.deaths/index.html, dated 1 September 2001.

Amnesty International, International Secretariat, 1 Easton Street, WC1X 0DW, London, United Kingdom

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