Gao Zhisheng unable to access medical care

Chinese human rights lawyer Gao Zhisheng, who was released from prison on 7 August, is suffering from a broad range of physical and mental health problems but has not been able to see a doctor since his release, according to his international lawyer.

Gao Zhisheng is a prominent Christian human rights lawyer best known for his work defending persecuted social groups, including Christians. In December 2006, he was sentenced to three years in prison with a probation period of five years, on the charge of “inciting to subvert the state power.” During his probation he was forcibly disappeared and severely tortured in detention. In April 2010, Gao disappeared again, and on 16 December 2011, the Chinese news agency Xinhua reported that Gao had violated the terms of his probation and had been returned to prison for three years.

Since his release from prison, Gao has been staying with family in Xinjiang, but is under heavy surveillance. Although contact with his wife, Geng He, and others has been limited, some details about his time in prison are beginning to emerge.

According to a statement by the US-based organisation Freedom Now, Gao was held in solitary confinement from December 2011 until his release this month. His guards were not allowed to speak to him, and he was held alone in a small cell. As a result of restricted food rations, one slice of bread and one piece of cabbage per day, he lost approximately 22.5kg in weight. The statement also confirms earlier reports that Gao’s teeth are in a poor condition, likely due to malnutrition. There are also concerns about Gao’s mental state: his is reportedly only able to speak in short sentences, and much of what he says is unintelligible.

Despite the obvious and immediate need for medical care, Gao has not been able to see a doctor. His wife, who lives in the US with their two children, has appealed for help from President Obama and Secretary Kerry so that Gao can travel to the US for medical treatment. However, Gao’s original sentence for “inciting to subvert the state power” included one year deprivation of political rights. If this sentence is enforced, it will include certain restrictions, including limitations on Gao’s freedom of movement, association, and expression.

CSW’s Chief Executive Mervyn Thomas said, “These reports of Gao Zhisheng’s ill-treatment in prison, while not unexpected, are nevertheless extremely alarming. While we welcome Gao’s release from prison, we condemn in the strongest terms the physical and psychological ill-treatment he appears to have suffered. We urge the Chinese government to allow him access to medical care and contact with his family and friends. We further call on the authorities to guarantee his rights to freedom of movement, association and expression, as provided for in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which China signed in 1998. Finally, we call on the government to ensure that any reports of torture in detention concerning Gao Zhisheng and all other prisoners are investigated thoroughly and impartially, and that those found to be responsible are held to account.”

For further information or to arrange interviews please contact Kiri Kankhwende, Press Officer at Christian Solidarity Worldwide on +44 (0)20 8329 0045 / +44 (0) 78 2332 9663, email kiri@csw.org.uk or visit www.csw.org.uk.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) is a Christian organisation working for religious freedom through advocacy and human rights, in the pursuit of justice.