Urgent Action Update: Charged with Subversion, Torture Details Revealed (China: UA 20.20)

Former human rights lawyer Ding Jiaxi, who has been detained since 26 December 2019, has for the first time been allowed to meet with his lawyer through two video calls. During these conversations, Ding revealed details about the torture that he was subject to when he was detained under “residential surveillance under designated location” and the harsh conditions of the current detention center. Originally detained for “inciting subversion of state power”, the People Procuratorate of Linyi Shi informed Ding’s lawyer on 20 January that he is now charged with “subversion of state power”. Given Ding’s treatment over the last year, there are grave concerns that he could be at risk of further torture.

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SAMPLE LETTER Dear Chief Procurator Wang, I am writing to express my concern that former human rights lawyer Ding Jiaxi (丁家喜), who has been detained since 26 December 2019, was charged with subversion of state power (颠覆国家政权) on 20 January 2021. It is encouraging to learn that, after more than a year of incommunicado detention, Ding Jiaxi was finally able to meet his lawyer via video call on 21 January and 4 February. However, it was distressing to learn about the treatment that he has had to endure while detained in “residential surveillance in a designated location”. I am alarmed to hear that, according to Ding, he had been subject to long hours of interrogation, tied to a restraining device known as a “tiger chair” and not allowed to clean himself. Ding also revealed that his current conditions in the Linshu County Detention Center are incredibly harsh. With no access to medical care, the health of his teeth has dramatically deteriorated. Ding Jiaxi has been detained for peacefully exercising his right to freedom of association. The fact that Ding was subjected to torture and ill-treatment while held in “residential surveillance” and is now currently enduring such harsh conditions in the current detention center has significantly increased my concern for his current and future wellbeing. I call on you to release Ding Jiaxi immediately and unconditionally unless there is sufficiently credible and admissible evidence that he has committed an internationally recognized offense and is granted a fair trial in line with international standards; pending his release, ensure that Ding Jiaxi has regular, unrestricted access to family and lawyers of his choice and is not subjected to torture and other ill-treatment; and allow him prompt, regular and unrestricted access to medical care on request, or as necessary. Yours sincerely, [YOUR NAME] ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

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