Chinese Forced Abortion Opponent’s Safety in Question
Over the past two weeks Chen Guangcheng made headlines with his daring escape from house arrest in China, his short stay at the United States Embassy in Beijing, and his current desire to leave the country with his family.
Chen and his family endured severe beatings and starvation over approximately 19 months of house arrest, as well as other forms of persecution. Chen’s “offense” was speaking out against human rights abuses in China. He has become a top leader in efforts to shed light on the horrific forced abortion and sterilizations that occur as part of the nation’s “one child policy.”
Chen’s dramatic escape was an added embarrassment to Chinese officials as it occurred just days before a high-profile meeting with U.S. Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton. After leaving the U.S. Embassy, Chen indicated that he and his family will be applying to come to the United States.
The high-profile nature of Chen’s case has ensured that it has received attention through the international media. In the United States, Chen has at least one dedicated friend in Congress, Congressman Chris Smith, who has been tireless in advocating for Chen’s freedom and safety. However, unless the pressure is continued, there is danger that China will not follow through in allowing Chen and his family to leave the country. Reggie Littlejohn with Women’s Rights Without Frontiers has expressed continuing concern for Chen’s wellbeing, and indicates that public pressure will be essential to his safety. “Some say that quiet, back door diplomacy is the way to deal with the detention of Chinese human rights defenders. But human rights activists have found that high profile, public pressure is far more effective,” states Littlejohn.
Action Item: Keeping the political pressure on the U.S. State Department is essential to assure Chen’s safety and that of his family. You can contact the White House by clicking here, as well as your elected members of the House by clicking here and the Senate by clicking here. Ask for swift and immediate action to honor the U.S. commitments to human rights by extending every possible protection to Chen and his family.
[Earlier Story /Links] Help free Chen Guangcheng, the Chinese man fighting China’s one child policy. More information here: http://www.womensrightswithoutfrontiers.org/index.php?nav=chen-guangcheng
For updated information on Chen Guangcheng please visit www.LifesiteNews.com