Write a letter to the Chinese government, urging them to release Kong Youping and Ning Xianhua, 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 Kong Youping and Ning Xianhua.

I understand that Mr. Kong, an Internet writer and factory worker, was arrested December 13, 2003 after posting five articles and seven poems on an overseas web site challenging the official version of the “Beijing Spring” and alleging corruption. Mr. Ning, also an Internet writer and factory worker, was arrested the same day for posting online essays supporting the establishment of trade unions and the China Democracy Party. The pair were tried on September 16, 2004 and sentenced to 15 and 12 years in prison, respectively, for “subverting state power.” Their sentences were reduced to 10 and eight years on appeal. Mr. Kong is currently being held at Lingyuan City Prison in Liaoning Province and is reportedly suffering from high blood pressure and deteriorating eyesight. Mr. Ning is currently being held at Shenyang Prison in Liaoning Province.

Kong Youping and Ning Xianhua 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]