Democracy Alert - World Movement Participant Detained in ChinaDemocracy Alert for Democracy June 26, 2002 World Movement Participant Detained in China The World Movement has learned that Dr. Yang Jianli, Chairman of the Boston-based Foundation for China in the 21st Century and an advocate of democracy and the rule of law in China, has been detained and remains in custody in China, and has been kept incommunicado by an unidentified agency since April 26, 2002. He was arrested in Kunming on April 26 at the end of a seven-day visit to the country. Repeatedly denied a passport by the Chinese government, he had travelled to China on a passport that was not his own. The Chinese government has not released any information regarding Dr. Yang's condition, his whereabouts, or any charges that he may face. He has been denied access to family, friends, and a lawyer. When Dr. Yang's wife, Christina Fu, attempted to enter China in May to gain information about her husband's condition, she was sent home to the United States after being held briefly at the airport in Beijing. Dr. Yang, a Chinese citizen with permanent U.S. residency, has been banned from China since 1989, when he traveled to Beijing to support the Tiananmen Square democracy protesters. He participated in the World Movement for Democracy's First Assembly in New Delhi, India, in February 1999 and the Second Assembly in São Paulo, Brazil, in November 2000. For more background information about Dr. Yang and his case, go to: www.chinaeweekly.com/yangReports.asp * * * * * * * Dr. Yang Jianli's family and friends are concerned about his safety and welfare. A number of organizations and individuals have expressed their concern about his case and have called for action to urge that he be treated fairly and, as a humanitarian gesture, be released immediately. Please address your concerns to the Chinese Ambassador in your country or to:
The Honorable Yang Jiechi You can also write to members of your Parliament and ask them to write directly to the Chinese Embassy in your country.
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