CHINA: Dissident writer Zhou Yuanzhi detained
07 May 2008
RAN 25/08
The Writers in Prison Committee of International PEN is seriously concerned about the detention of dissident writer and member of the Independent Chinese PEN Centre Zhou Yuanzhi, who was arrested on 3 May 2008 on suspicion of ‘inciting subversion of state power'. It is thought that he may be detained for his critical writings published online on various social issues. International PEN fears that Zhou Yuanzhi may be held in violation of Article 19 of the United Nations International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which China is a signatory, and if so calls for his immediate and unconditional release.
According to PEN's information, Zhou Yuanzhi and his wife were taken away from their home by the police of the National Security Bureau of Zhongxiang City, Hubei Province on 3 May 2008. His wife was later released and placed under house arrest. Zhou remains in custody, and is held on suspicion of "inciting subversion," a charge often used to silence dissent in China.
Zhou Yuanzhi, aged 47, is a freelance writer who has published two books in Hong Kong, as well as over 500 political commentaries, reportages, essays and short stories under several pen names in overseas Chinese magazines and on web sites. He is known for his critiques on social issues and official corruption.
Zhou has been previously targeted for his writings. In 1992, after contributing an article to Voice of America radio, he was dismissed from his post as deputy chief of the Zhongxiang City Taxation Bureau and expelled from the Communist Party of China.
Please send appeals:
- Expressing serious concerns about the detention of dissident writer Zhou Yuanzhi, and calling for his immediate and unconditional release if held in violation of Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which China became a signatory in 1998.
WiPC recommends that you copy your appeal to the Chinese embassy in your country asking them to forward it and welcoming any comments.
Government addresses:
His Excellency Hu Jintao
President of the People's Republic of China
State Council
Beijing 100032
P.R.China.
Chief Judge Mr. WANG Shengjun
President of the Supreme People's Court
No.27 Dongjiaominxiang
Dongcheng District, Beijing 100745
People's Republic of China
Procurator General Mr. CAO Jianming
Supreme People's Procuratorate
Beiheyan Street 147
100726 Beijing
People's Republic of China People's Republic of China
Please note that fax numbers are no longer available for the Chinese authorities, so you may wish to ask the diplomatic representative for China in your country to forward your appeals.
Please copy appeals to the diplomatic representative for China in your country if possible.
**Please contact the PEN WiPC office in London if sending appeals after 31 May 2008**
For further information please contact Cathy McCann at International PEN Writers in Prison Committee, Brownlow House, 50/51 High Holborn, London WC1V 6ER, Tel.+ 44 (0) 20 7405 0338, Fax: +44 (0) 20 7405 0339, email: cathy.mccann@internationalpen.org.uk