Friday, February 14, 2014 – At midnight on Valentine’s Day, Citizen Power for China (CPFC, aka Initiatives for China) president Dr. Yang Jianli shaved his head to protest the illegal captivity of Liu Xia, the wife of imprisoned Nobel Peace Prize laureate Liu Xiaobo. Six other protesters shaved their heads with Dr. Yang in his Washington, D.C. residency, together answering a call for support by the concerned Hong Kong human rights activists.
Photo by Yuhan Yang
Ruling Chinese authorities have unlawfully detained Ms. Liu under strict house arrest for more than three years without legally required procedures or due process. The harsh conditions of her solitary confinement has caused Ms. Liu serious health difficulties, including severe depression and a heart attack.
CPFC strongly condemns China’s ruling regime for Ms. Liu’s continued captivity. The illegal confinement is undeniable evidence of the regime’s relentless abuse of power in disregard of rule of law and citizens’ civil rights.
“I suffered nearly fifteen months of lonely custody, so I personally feel the psychological nightmare of Liu Xia. We cannot let this go on without acting,” said Dr. Yang. “I hope more and more Chinese citizens will join us in shaving their heads. The simple message heightens the pressure to improve Liu Xia’s conditions, and may eventually win freedom for both Liu Xia and her husband Liu Xiaobo.”
CPFC and Dr. Yang will reiterate the message in calls for Liu Xia’s release at upcoming international events to draw global attention to Liu Xia’s captivity and deteriorating health. Dr. Yang will make a special appeal for Ms. Xia as he delivers the closing speech at the 6th Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy, on February 26th. CPFC calls for the international community to collaborate in improving Liu Xia’s conditions, and to win both Ms. Xia and her husband Liu Xiaobo’s freedom.
For more information, please contact Dr. Han Lianchao at 703-528-2771 or lianchao@gmail.com.