Message from Jared Genser to supportersJared Genser Dec. 14, 2004 Dear Friends: We wanted to provide you with a bittersweet update about the status of Yang Jianli. On the one hand, today, Yang Jianli was given the first real opportunity for a family visit. It was an emotional reunion for Jianli with his brother, sister, and one of his nephews. The family spent about an hour together in a comfortable visiting room where they were able to embrace, cry, and communicate relatively freely (under the watchful eyes of two prison guards taking notes). Jianli apparently remains in good spirits and was energized by the visit. At the same time, we also learned much more detailed information about his medical condition. Specifically, Jianli told his family that in addition to suffering a mild stroke on July 31, 2004, he has continued to experience numbness on the left side of his body. Jianli is very worried about his own health and a lack of adequate medical care. He told his family that he is going to be appealing for medical parole from within the prison. This procedure requires a review by two prison doctors -- if they believe that completion of his sentence could seriously jeopardize his health, they have the discretion to write a report recommending medical parole. With the first news we have received about these ongoing symptoms, we are deeply concerned about the impact of further time in prison on Jianli's health and welfare. As you can imagine, we now believe it more critical than ever to get Jianli out of China. Therefore, we have today appealed to the U.S. Government to urge the Chinese Government to grant Yang Jianli medical parole to enable him to return to the United States to be with his family and secure much-needed medical attention. Attached is a copy of the letter that was sent to Secretary Powell today as well as a news story put out by Associated Press. So far, the AP story has been reproduced in over 25 newspapers around the world. We will be in touch with those of you in the Administration and on Capitol Hill to discuss next steps and remain grateful for all of your ongoing support. Sincerely,
Jared Genser -- Activist Jailed in China Seeks Medical Aid -------------------------- |