Xu Zhiyong, a prominent human rights lawyer in China, is facing severe health issues due to arbitrary detention and mistreatment at Lunan Prison. Since starting a hunger strike on October 4, 2024, his health has worsened, with prison authorities denying him adequate medical care and restricting communication. The Observatory calls for his immediate release and an end to the harassment of human rights defenders in China.
In a distressing update, the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders has raised concerns about the significant deterioration of Xu Zhiyong’s health in Chinese detention. A prominent legal scholar and activist, Xu has been subjected to arbitrary detention since his sentence of 14 years for allegedly subverting state power. Since October 4, 2024, he has been on a hunger strike to protest the severe ill-treatment he faces at Lunan Prison, where he endures constant surveillance and psychological harassment from fellow inmates. The prison authorities have also notably restricted his communication with the outside world, compounding his isolation and distress. This oppressive environment has escalated Xu’s health issues, with authorities failing to provide clarity on his medical treatment. The overall conditions surrounding his detention starkly highlight the systematic disregard for human rights, echoing past tragedies involving detained activists. The Observatory urges the immediate and unconditional release of Xu and his fellow activist Ding Jiaxi, emphasizing the need for comprehensive medical care and a halt to the harassment of human rights defenders within China’s penal system. Amidst increasing international scrutiny, the Observatory remains committed to combating such violations, calling on global activists and governments to advocate for Xu and other detained defenders. Overall, the situation underscores a grave threat to fundamental freedoms in China, where dissent is met with repression instead of dialogue.
The situation of Xu Zhiyong sheds light on the broader narrative of human rights violations in China, particularly against those who dare to challenge governmental policies. Xu’s commitment to advocating for civic freedoms through the New Citizens Movement has made him a target of the state’s sweeping crackdowns against dissent. His incarceration and the harsh methods employed during detention highlight not only individual repression but also a pervasive atmosphere of fear designed to stifle opposition voices. The urgency of his condition calls for international attention to the plight of human rights defenders, who remain vulnerable in the face of oppressive regimes.
In conclusion, the alarming health decline of Xu Zhiyong amid his arbitrary detention serves as a harrowing reminder of the perilous state of human rights in China. The consistent disregard for his well-being, coupled with the oppressive conditions faced by other defenders like Ding Jiaxi, necessitates immediate action and awareness from the international community. The Observatory’s appeals for humane treatment and justice for these activists are crucial in the ongoing struggle against the silencing of dissent and the fight for basic human rights.
Original Source: www.omct.org
