People's Republic of China: "Subversion" Charges Must Not Be Ssed to Imprison Rights Activists
Tomorrow (15 January 2003) two labour rights activists, Yao Fuxin and Xiao Yunliang, are due to stand trial for organizing workers protests in March last year in Liaoyang city. They have reportedly been charged with "subversion" and there are serious concerns that they will not receive a fair trial.
"If they are convicted of ‘subversion’ after doing nothing more than peacefully exercising their rights to freedom of expression, association or assembly, we would consider them to be prisoners of conscience," Amnesty International said asking for their immediate release.
It is reported that Yao Fuxin’s lawyer has been prevented from gaining full access to his client and the families of both men have been prevented from receiving incoming telephone calls in an apparent attempt to prevent them from publicising the case. Yao Fuxin is also believed to be in poor health.
Tomorrow (15 January 2003) two labour rights activists, Yao Fuxin and Xiao Yunliang, are due to stand trial for organizing workers protests in March last year in Liaoyang city. They have reportedly been charged with "subversion" and there are serious concerns that they will not receive a fair trial.
"If they are convicted of ‘subversion’ after doing nothing more than peacefully exercising their rights to freedom of expression, association or assembly, we would consider them to be prisoners of conscience," Amnesty International said asking for their immediate release.
It is reported that Yao Fuxin’s lawyer has been prevented from gaining full access to his client and the families of both men have been prevented from receiving incoming telephone calls in an apparent attempt to prevent them from publicising the case. Yao Fuxin is also believed to be in poor health.