Write a letter to the Chinese government, urging them to release Lu Jianhua, who has been imprisoned in violation of his right to freedom of expression . 

[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

Your Excellencies:

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the suppression of the right to freedom of expression in China and to appeal for the release of academic Lu Jianhua.

I understand Mr. Lu, a research professor at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Deputy Director of Public Policy Research Center, and Executive Director of the China Development Strategy, was arrested in April 2005 and charged with “leaking state secrets” to Hong Kong-based reporter Ching Cheong. After a secret trial lasting only 90 minutes, Mr. Lu was convicted and sentenced to 20 years in prison on December 18, 2006. He is reportedly being held incommunicado in Beijing City jail.

Mr. Lu has been imprisoned for non-violent activities that are protected under Chinese law, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which China is a signatory. I therefore urge you to facilitate his immediate and unconditional release.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Sincerely,

[Your Name and Signature]