International PEN continues to be alarmed by the large number of detained writers in China suffering from serious illnesses and lack of appropriate medical care. PEN is particularly concerned by the 13 cases of detained writers listed below and calls for their immediate and unconditional release on humanitarian grounds and in accordance with Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which China is a signatory.
 

Background Information

Guo Qizhen, cyber-dissident, is serving a four-year prison sentence for "inciting subversion." His wife, who is allowed to visit him once every two or three months, brings him medication that prison authorities have reportedly refused to provide for a form of gangrene. Guo is dependent on crutches and there are fears that he could lose the use of his leg.

Zhang Jianhong (pen name: Li Hong), who was convicted to six years in prison for "inciting subversion of state power," suffers from muscular dystrophy and has been rapidly deteriorating since his detention in September 2006. In mid-March 2009 it was reported that his illness has worsened to the point where he can no longer write. Prison authorities have repeatedly denied his requests for medical parole. 

Hada, ethnic Mongolian, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for "inciting separatism and espionage." He is reportedly suffering from a stomach ulcer and coronary disease, and his health is said to have deteriorated significantly in prison.

HU Jia was sentenced to three and a half years in prison for "inciting subversion of state power." He suffers from long-term health problems including cirrhosis of the liver, and there are reports that he has been denied access to specialist medical care. He has been barred from receiving family visits since November 21, 2008.

HE Depu was sentenced to eight years in prison for "inciting subversion." Said to be in very poor health, he has reportedly lost a great deal of weight and a number of teeth. He is said to be suffering from a liver complaint and is in need of vitamins and other medication.

WANG Rongqing was sentenced to six years in prison for "subversion of state power." In early January 2009, Wang’s family reported that he was in poor health and is only able to walk with the use of crutches.

KONG Youping was sentenced to ten years in prison for ‘subverting state power.’ He is said to be suffering from high blood pressure and deteriorating eyesight.

XU Wei is serving a ten-year prison sentence for "subversion." Xu has reportedly developed a mental illness while in prison.

XU Zerong is serving an 11 1/2-year sentence for leaking state secrets. Xu is said to suffer from high blood pressure and other serious health conditions.
 
YANG Maodong (pen name: Guo Feixiong) was sentenced to five years in prison for his dissident writings and civil rights activism. Yang is said to be in poor health as a result of ill-treatment in prison.

YANG Tongyan (pen name: Yang Tianshui) was sentenced to 12 years in prison for subversion and suffers from diabetes, which is reportedly worsening in prison.

ZHANG Lin was sentenced to five years in prison for "incitement to subversion." It was reported in May 2006 that he required urgent hospital treatment for a slipped cervical disc that is affecting his central nervous system. Prison medical facilities are said to be inadequate to treat this condition, and he is reportedly very weak.

ZHENG Yichun was sentenced to seven years in prison for "inciting subversion of state power." He suffers from diabetes. On May 26, 2008, it was reported that Yichun has a blood clot, which has caused paralysis in part of his face and difficulty in moving his right arm. Zheng was sent to a hospital outside the prison, but was returned after doctors decided that his condition was not serious. Medical facilities in the prison are insufficient to treat his condition and his relatives are therefore requesting his release on medical parole.

Write A Letter

  • Expressing serious concern about the large number of detained writers in China said to be in poor health and denied access to adequate medical treatment, in particular those cases listed here;
  • Seeking assurances of their well-being, and urging that they are granted full access to all necessary medical care;
  • Calling for the immediate and unconditional release of the above-named writers in accordance with Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which China is a signatory, and on humanitarian grounds. 

 

Send Your Letter To

His Excellency Hu Jintao
President of the People’s Republic of China
State Council
Beijing 100032
P.R. China

Mr. Meng Jianzhu
Minister of the Public Security
East Chang'an Avenue 14
100741 Beijing
P.R. China

Please note that there are no fax numbers for the Chinese authorities. PEN recommends that you copy your appeal to the Chinese embassy in your country asking them to forward it and welcoming any comments.

Please check with PEN if sending appeals after April 30, 2009: ftw[at]pen.org