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Previous Action Alerts - 06/14/07 - China
June 14, 2007
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The Writers in Prison Committee of International PEN is alarmed by claims by dissident writer Yang Maodong that he was tortured in detention, and that a confession extracted through torture is to be used as evidence in court. International PEN seeks immediate assurances that whilst detained writer Yang Maodong is treated humanely, and reminds the Chinese authorities of their obligations under the United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, and the Chinese constitution. PEN renews its call for the immediate and unconditional release of writer Yang Maodong in accordance with Article 19 of the United Nations International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which China is a signatory.
According to PEN’s information, Yang Maodong (aka Guo Feixiong), a well-known dissident writer, independent publisher and civil rights activist, who has been in detention since 14 September 2006, was reportedly transferred to the Shenyang detention centre between 20 January 2007 and 27 March 2007 during which time he alleges that he was severely treated and repeatedly tortured. The police interrogation reportedly focused on his involvement in and reporting of an anti-corruption campaign by villagers in Taishi Village, Guangdong Province. This incident is not related to the charges under which Yang Maodong is currently being held.
Yang Maodong was arrested on 14 September 2006 on charges of ‘suspected illegal business dealings’ for which he is to stand trial on 15 June 2007. According to his wife, police officers searched their home in Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, Southern China, and took away Yang’s computers, cell phone, books, manuscripts and other documents. The following day Yang was reportedly charged with illegal business practices for allegedly publishing and selling 20,000 books using false ISBNs (international standard book number). His wife claims that the charges are totally unfounded.
Yang Maodong, aged 40, is known for his critical writings and civil rights activism. He was previously detained on 12 September 2005 and held without charge until December 2005 for his involvement in and reporting of an anti-corruption campaign by villagers in Taishi Village, Guangdong Province. PEN campaigned for his release. (http://www.internationalpen.org.uk/index.php?pid=33&aid=393&return=33
Please send appeals:
- Expressing outrage at reports that a confession by Yang Maodong extracted through torture is to be used in court as evidence;
- Condemning the use of torture and degrading treatment against prisoners, in violation of the United Nations convention against Torture;
- Seeking assurances from the Chinese authorities that Yang Maodong is humanely treated while in detention;
- Calling for his immediate and unconditional release in accordance with Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to which China is a signatory;
Please note that there are no fax numbers for the Chinese authorities. WiPC recommends that you copy your appeal to the Chinese embassy in your country asking them to forward it and welcoming any comments.
Government addresses:
His Excellency Hu Jintao
President of the People’s Republic of China
State Council
Beijing 100032
P.R.China.
Procurator General Mr. Jia Chunwang
Supreme People’s Procuratorate
Beiheyan Street 147
100726 Beijing
P.R.China
Please note that fax numbers are no longer available for the Chinese authorities, so you may wish to ask the diplomatic representative for China in your country to forward your appeals.
Please copy appeals to the diplomatic representative for China in your country if possible.