Editor’s Note: Xu Zhiyong, a prominent Chinese rights lawyer, one of the founders of the Open Constitution Initiative, and a key founder and iconic figure of the New Citizens’ Movement. He was a representative of the 13th and 14th sessions of the Haidian District People’s Congress in Beijing. In February 2020, while in exile, Xu Zhiyong wrote a letter to Xi Jinping, titled “A Letter of Resignation.” On April 10, 2023, the Linyi Intermediate People’s Court sentenced Xu Zhiyong to 14 years in prison for “subversion of state power.” He is currently serving his sentence in prison. Li Qiaochu is a feminist, a researcher of labor issues, and also Xu Zhiyong’s girlfriend.
In protest against the illegal actions of the prison and related personnel, and to defend the right to communication. Since October 4th, Xu Zhiyong has been on a hunger strike for a full 20 days, and his weight has dropped by more than 10 kilograms in a short period of time. His health is rapidly deteriorating, and it is unknown whether he can receive adequate medical care.
This July, an overseas concern group revealed that: Zhiyong’s basic human rights were severely violated; he was subjected to “surveillance and encirclement” and mental abuse; even his name was “disappeared.” Zhiyong’s choice today is not that he does not cherish life; it is precisely his unwavering decision to no longer be subjected to personal humiliation and to reclaim his violated rights. The saint-like Zhiyong’s faith and will to endure suffering come from the great power within him.
Currently, Xu Zhiyong’s condition in prison has reached a very critical moment, because these evildoers are unreserved and dare to do anything. In order for Zhiyong to live and walk out of prison safely and healthily, I hope that everyone can continue to pay attention, especially friends overseas, to have widespread voices and effective actions. Urge the relevant departments to provide timely and reasonable medical treatment for Xu Zhiyong in accordance with the law, and to protect his basic rights to life and health. Strongly protest against the Lunan Prison acting as a thug, committing serious abuse and violating his human rights.
Finally, I sincerely thank many friends both at home and abroad for their continued support and help to Xu Zhiyong. Please help to forward and disseminate through various channels at this critical time. I am very anxious and worried about Zhiyong’s physical and mental condition, but I have also become weak in this environment. I still need everyone’s strength to support me, and I would like to bow to you all here to express my gratitude.
Li Qiaochu
2024.10.23
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