Statement of CECC Chairman Byron Dorgan and Cochairman Sander Levin on China's Newest Nobel Laureate: Liu Xiaobo
Congressional-Executive Commission on China | www.cecc.gov
Statement of CECC Chairman Byron Dorgan and Cochairman Sander Levin on China's Newest Nobel Laureate: Liu Xiaobo
October 8, 2010
(Washington, DC)—We applaud the Norwegian Nobel Committee's award today of the Nobel Peace Prize for 2010 to imprisoned Chinese writer and democracy advocate Liu Xiaobo 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 is currently serving an eleven-year sentence in a Chinese prison for "inciting subversion of state power." He reportedly is the first person since 1935 to win the prize while in prison.
Those in China, like Mr. Liu, who have penned thoughtful essays or signed Charter 08 seek to advance debate, as the Charter states, on "national governance, citizens' rights, and social development" consistent with their "duty as responsible and constructive citizens." Their commitment and contribution to their country must be recognized, as the Nobel Committee has done, and their rights must be protected.
We call on Chinese officials to release Mr. Liu, and in so doing to demonstrate through action the Chinese government's commitment to developing the rule of law and to upholding international human rights standards. As Liu Xia, wife of China's newest Nobel Laureate, said this morning "China's new status in the world comes with increased responsibility. China should embrace this responsibility, have pride in his selection, and release him from prison."
Additional CECC Resources on Liu Xiaobo:
- Beijing High People's Court Affirms Liu Xiaobo's 11-Year Sentence (2/26/10)
- Liu Xiaobo Appeals Sentence; Official Abuses Mar Case from Outset (1/21/10)
- Beijing Court Sentences Liu Xiaobo to 11 Years (1/5/10)
- Joint Statement by CECC Chairman Byron Dorgan and Cochairman Sander Levin on the Trial of Liu Xiaobo (12/23/09)
- Prosecutors Indict Liu Xiaobo; Trial To Take Place December 23 (12/22/09)
- Joint Statement by Chairman Byron Dorgan and Cochairman Sander Levin - Human Rights Day 2009 (12/9/09)
- Beijing Police Transfer Liu Xiaobo's Case to Prosecutors (12/9/09)
- Beijing Police Formally Arrest Liu Xiaobo on Inciting Subversion Charge (7/2/09)
- Officials Extend Liu Xiaobo's Residential Surveillance Beyond Legal Time Limit (6/9/09)
- Officials Harass Charter 08 Signers; Liu Xiaobo Under Residential Surveillance (1/14/09)
- Charter 08 and the Detention of Liu Xiaobo (12/17/08)
- Charter 08 (Chinese and English Text) (12/10/08)
- Over 300 Citizens Issue "Charter 08"; Several Activists Detained (12/9/08)
- Beijing Police Crack Down on Human Rights Activists During U.N. High Commissioner's Visit (8/30/05)
- Chinese Authorities Crack Down on Freedom of Expression, Detain Four Writers, Encourage Strengthening Restrictions on the Media (12/14/04)
- Political Prisoners Known or Believed to be Detained or Imprisoned in China as of July 25, 2010 (1,383 Cases) (7/25/10)
- CECC Political Prisoner Database
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