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China Human Rights and Rule of Law Update - No. 9 - December 10, 2010
Statement of CECC Chairman Byron Dorgan and Cochairman Sander Levin Congratulating Nobel Laureate Liu Xiaobo
Today we congratulate imprisoned Chinese writer and democracy advocate Liu Xiaobo, winner of the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize for his long and non-violent struggle for fundamental human rights in China. For his more than two decades of advocating for freedom of speech, assembly, religion, peaceful democratic reform, transparency, and accountability in China, Mr. Liu currently is serving an 11-year sentence in a Chinese prison for "inciting subversion of state power." Those in China, like Mr. Liu, who advocate for peaceful reform seek to advance debate on good governance, human rights, and the rule of law. Their commitment and contribution to their country must be recognized, as the Nobel Committee has done, and their rights must be protected.
Unfortunately, the extraordinary measures that Chinese authorities have taken to stop Chinese citizens from publicly expressing support for Liu and to prevent Liu's friends and family from attending today's ceremony in Oslo, show the world the Chinese government's clear failure to implement the rule of law and to protect human rights that are provided under China's Constitution and laws, and under China's international human rights obligations.