Lü Gengsong, a Chinese writer and civil rights activist, author of a book about corruption in the Communist Party of China, was arrested on August 24, 2007 on charges of "incitement to subvert state power" and "illegally possessing state secrets." A history graduate from Zhejiang University, Lü taught at the Zhejiang Higher Professional School of Public Security before being expelled in 1993 because of his pro-democracy activities. He went on to become a freelance writer, and has published several books on political reform, including A History of Chinese Communist Party Corrupt Officials in 2000. Lü is known for his reporting on human rights violations and his political commentaries published on the internet. He is also an active member of the banned China Democracy Party. Lü was tried in a one-day closed door trial in January 2008, the verdict is expected to be released in Febraury. Please send appeals for his release to:

Addresses

His Excellency Jiang Zemin
President of the People’s Republic
of China
Zhong Naihai, Beijingshi 100032
People’s Republic of China
Salutation: Your Excellency

His Excellency Hu Jintao
President of the People’s Republic of China
State Council
Beijing 100032
People’s Republic of China
Salutation: Your Excellency

Mr. Xiao Yang
President of the Supreme People’s Court
No.27 Dongjiaominxiang
Dongcheng District, Beijing 100745
People’s Republic of China

Sample Letter

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the suppression of the right to freedom of expression in the case of the noted writer and journalist Lu Gengsong, who was arrested on August 24, 2007 and tried on January 22nd 2008 on charges of "incitement to subvert state power."

I understand that although China pledged to open up restrictions on media reporting in advance of the Olympics, it has instead clamped down on the media and citizens’ right to receive and impart information. The continuing detention of writers and journalists damages China’s image abroad and undercuts its ambitions to develop a dynamic and competitive economy and culture.

I therefore urge you to release Lu along with all other writers and journalists imprisoned in violation of their fundamental right to free expression, which is guaranteed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which China is a signatory. Protecting this essential right will only make China stronger.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,