Holiday Card Action 2008

CHINA – Hu Jia and Zeng Jinyan

Hu Jia has been repeatedly harassed and detained by authorities on account of his human rights activism. He and his wife, Zeng Jinyan, regularly reported on human rights abuses taking place in China and provided news of human rights defenders imprisoned or harassed by police.

After months under house arrest, Hu Jia was detained in December 2007, shortly after the birth of his daughter. Approximately 30 police officers broke into the couple's home in Beijing and seized Mr. Hu. Police also confiscated a video camera, blocked the couple's telephone and fax lines, and froze their bank account. Authorities denied Hu Jia access to his family and lawyers for several weeks and reportedly subjected him to 47 lengthy interrogations in the first two months of his detention, often lasting through the night. In March 2008, a court sentenced him to three and a half years in prison for "inciting subversion."

Zeng Jinyan and her daughter remain under house arrest. Ms. Zeng became famous worldwide for the blog she maintained while her husband was held incommunicado in 2006. Although her blog is blocked in China, she continued to update it until her internet connection was cut off. No one has been allowed to visit Ms. Zeng at her home, making it impossible for her to receive formula powder to feed her baby.

Held at the Beijing City Prison, Hu Jia is reportedly in the early stages of sclerosis of the liver for which he needs daily medication.

Please send cards of support to:
Hu Jia
Beijing City Prison
Tunhe Nan Dalou
Daxing Qu
Beijing 100054
PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

or

Hu Jia and Zeng Jinyan
Room 542, Block 76
BOBO Freedom City
Dong Guo Yuan
Tongzhou Qu
Beijing 101100
PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF CHINA