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Write a letter to the Chinese government, urging them to release Jin Haike, Xu Wei, Yang Zili, and Zhang Honghai, who have been imprisoned in violation of their 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 writers Jin Haike, Xu Wei, Yang Zili, and Zhang Honghai.
I understand that Jin Haike, a geologist and writer, Xu Wei, reporter for Xiaofei Ribao (Consumer Daily), Yang Zili, a writer and computer engineer, and Zhang Honghai, a freelance writer, were arrested March 13, 2001 after participating in the “Xin Qingnian Xuehui” (New Youth Study Group), an informal gathering of individuals concerned with political and economic inequalities who used the Internet to circulate relevant articles. All four men were convicted of subversion, and were finally sentenced on May 28, 2003. Mr. Jin and Mr. Xu were both sentenced to 10 years in prison, and Mr. Yang and Mr. Zhang were sentenced to eight years in prison.
Jin Haike, Xu Zerong, and Yang Zili are all currently being held at Beijing No. 2 Prison. Zhang Honghai is being held at Qiaosi Prison in Zhejiang Province. Mr. Jin, Mr. Xu, Mr. Yang and Mr. Zhang are reportedly suffering from multiple untreated medical conditions whose causes are still unclear.
All four men have 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 their immediate and unconditional release.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name and Signature]
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