Write a letter to the Chinese government, urging them to release all writers and journalists imprisoned in violation of their right to freedom of expression by August 8, 2008, when the Olympic Games open in Beijing.

[Date]

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

Mr. Wang Shengjun
President of the Supreme People’s Court
No.27 Dongjiaominxiang
Dongcheng District, Beijing 100745
People’s Republic of China


Excellencies:

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the suppression of the right to freedom of expression in the lead-up to the 2008 Olympic Games, especially the imprisonment of dozens of writers and journalists throughout China.

I understand that although China pledged to open up restrictions on media reporting in advance of the Olympics, it has instead clamped down on the media and citizens’ right to receive and impart information. The continuing detention of writers and journalists damages China’s image abroad and undercuts its ambitions to develop a dynamic and competitive economy and culture.

I therefore urge you to release all writers and journalists imprisoned in violation of their fundamental right to free expression, which is guaranteed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which China is a signatory. I further urge you to allow citizens to express themselves through writing. Protecting this essential right will only make China stronger.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

[Your Name and Signature]