Scholars call for Liu's release
2009-06-26 17:11
Beijing- Dozens of prominent Chinese intellectuals and academics have signed an open letter urging the government to free dissident Liu Xiaobo, who co-wrote a bold petition calling for democratic reform.
The letter, dated June 24, was circulated on the Internet and has been signed by 52 people, signatories told AFP on Friday.
Liu, a 53-year-old dissident writer, was arrested on Tuesday for inciting subversion and the overthrow of the communist government, state media has announced.
He was detained in December just before the release of Charter 08, a petition signed by hundreds of intellectuals, scholars and dissidents calling for political and legal reforms and respect for human rights in China.
"We urge the immediate release of Dr Liu Xiaobo and the realisation of constitutionally protected freedom of expression," states the letter.
"If (Liu) cannot express his views freely, then none of us can freely and openly express our views."
'This is not right'
Li Datong, a dissident journalist who was editor at a publication that was closed after it reported on politically sensitive topics, said Liu's arrest showed the Communist Party will not tolerate peaceful challenges to its rule.
"We have nothing to fear," said Li, who signed the letter urging Liu's release.
"The government is trying to scare people. They want to make people afraid to criticise. This is not right."
"I think (Liu's) case is linked to Charter 08. The government fears this," he added.
The letter is the latest denunciation of Liu's arrest, which has already been condemned by the United States and human rights groups.
A statement by the US embassy in Beijing on Thursday called the arrest "deeply disturbing" and urged China to free Liu and respect "internationally recognised freedoms."
China has rejected the complaints, saying Liu's case was purely an internal matter.
Liu, a former university literature professor, was jailed previously for his involvement in the 1989 Tiananmen Square pro-democracy movement that was crushed by the army.
But he has continued, through his writings, to boldly call for democracy and the rule of law in China.