Xu Zhiyong, a prominent human rights lawyer in China, is on a hunger strike to protest his harsh prison conditions. Detained since February 2020 for subverting state power, his 14-year sentence has garnered international criticism. Known for leading the New Citizens’ Movement, Xu’s situation exemplifies the precarious state of civil rights activism under Xi Jinping’s government.
Concerns are mounting over the wellbeing of Xu Zhiyong, an esteemed human rights lawyer in China, as he endures a hunger strike that has lasted nearly a month. Starting on October 4, his protest against severe prison conditions, including limited family contact and intrusive surveillance, has drawn attention from organizations like Chinese Human Rights Defenders. Detained since February 2020 after attending a gathering of civil rights lawyers, Xu faces the repercussions of a crackdown on dissent. Convicted alongside fellow lawyer Ding Jiaxi, both men received lengthy sentences of 14 and 12 years respectively. Such sentences have drawn criticism from the UN’s human rights chief. This is not Xu’s first experience with the justice system; he previously served four years in prison for “gathering crowds to disrupt public order” in 2014. As the founder of the New Citizens’ Movement, Xu championed civil rights but has witnessed a decline in activism under President Xi Jinping’s regime, which has silenced many voices.
Xu Zhiyong represents a significant figure in China’s civil rights landscape, advocating for transparency and improved individual freedoms. His activism poses a stark contrast to the government’s increasing intolerance toward dissenters. Following Liu Xiaobo’s death, Xu’s influence has been curbed, rendering him a notable symbol of the struggle for human rights in an era characterized by stringent crackdowns on civil society. This context is crucial to understanding the current pressures and challenges faced by Xu and others like him.
Xu Zhiyong’s hunger strike reflects a desperate stand against the inhumane treatment of prisoners in China, showcasing his resilience amid dire circumstances. While his struggle for rights and communication with others continues, the broader implications of his activism highlight the ongoing battle for civil liberties within an oppressive regime. The silence enveloping Xu’s struggle stresses the urgency of advocating for human rights amidst escalating repression.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
