Chinese human rights activist Xu Zhiyong has initiated a hunger strike to protest against the alleged mistreatment he is facing while imprisoned on charges of “subversion of state power”, according to reports from rights groups.
Xu Zhiyong, a former lecturer at Beijing University of Post and Telecommunications, is currently serving a 14-year sentence. The hunger strike began on 4th October in response to the treatment and violations of his rights at Lunan prison in Shandong province, as reported by Chinese Human Rights Defenders (Chrd).
Fellow activists have expressed concerns about Xu’s deteriorating health and have urged the Chinese government to provide him with proper medical care. Chrd has called for Xu’s immediate release, stating that he is being wrongfully detained.
Reports indicate that Xu is being kept isolated in prison, with three other inmates assigned to monitor him constantly. He has been denied access to communication and reading materials, and his family claims they have not received any letters from him.
Referred to as “Prisoner No 003” instead of his name within the prison system, Xu has reportedly lost around 5kg in 20 days since starting the hunger strike. There are uncertainties regarding whether he is receiving any medical attention during this protest.
Xu Zhiyong and fellow lawyer Ding Jiaxi were tried in secret in June 2022 on charges of state subversion. Both are key figures in the New Citizens’ Movement, advocating for government transparency and citizen’s rights. Xu had previously written an open letter calling for President Xi Jinping to resign over his handling of national crises, leading to his arrest in February 2020.
Activists and human rights organisations are urging concerned governments and UN bodies to press for Xu’s immediate care and release. Beijing has faced criticism for its crackdown on dissent, but it has denied allegations of human rights violations, arguing that the detained activists are criminals who have violated the law.
As Xu Zhiyong continues his hunger strike, voices from around the world are calling for his rights to be upheld and for his release from what they see as unjust imprisonment.
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In this article, we see the resilience and determination of Chinese human rights activist Xu Zhiyong in the face of adversity. Despite being imprisoned and allegedly mistreated, Xu’s hunger strike serves as a powerful protest against the injustices he and other activists face in China. The support and calls for his release from fellow activists and organisations highlight the global concern for upholding human rights and justice.
It is a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by individuals who speak out against government actions and advocate for transparency and human rights. Xu’s bravery in risking his own health to demand fair treatment and justice is a testament to the importance of upholding fundamental rights and freedoms for all individuals, regardless of their beliefs or affiliations.