Chinese Human Rights Lawyer Lu Siwei Detained in Laos at Risk of Deportation to China
On 23 July 2023, Chinese human rights lawyer Lu Siwei was apprehended by Laotian police whilst boarding a train to Bangkok. For the initial six days post his detention, his location remained undisclosed. Officials from the Laotian government confirmed to The 29 Principles via email that Lu Siwei is under criminal investigation in Laos for alleged travel document violations.
The chief concern surrounding Lu Siwei’s situation is the possibility of his deportation to China. Given his dedication to human rights advocacy and his prior representations in sensitive cases, which resulted in his disbarment, such an extradition could have grave implications (see The 29 Principle’s lawyer's profile of Lu Siwei on our website). On 2 August 2023, The 29 Principles, in conjunction with over 80 NGOs globally, issued a joint statement calling for the immediate release of Lu Siwei. A protest was also staged outside the Laotian Embassy in London, during which Chakra Ip, The 29 Principles’ executive director, personally handed over the joint statement to Laotian Embassy officials.
In a subsequent video message, Chakra Ip voiced the international community’s profound concerns regarding Lu Siwei's situation. She underlined that, before his departure from China, Lu Siwei faced no criminal proceedings and possessed valid travel documents. Consequently, obstructing his travel within Laos or deporting him to China would be a blatant infringement of his right to freedom of movement. Notably, in May 2021, Chinese border officials, without any legal proceedings, had previously barred him from leaving the country, citing potential risks to national security.
On 11 August 2023, several UN human rights experts released a joint statement, urging the Laotian Government to promptly release Lu Siwei and thwart any looming deportation.
On 15 August 2023, The 29 Principles endorsed a joint statement prepared by Peacemakers Trust and Lawyers’ Rights Watch Canada. This statement was presented to the UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances and the Working Group on Enforced and Involuntary Disappearances, specifically addressing the issue of Short-Term Enforced Disappearances. Within this context, the predicament of Lu Siwei was highlighted.
As of the drafting of this newsletter, The 29 Principles is of the understanding that lawyer Lu Siwei continues to be detained in Laos, and we will continue to closely track the situation.
6th Anniversary of the Enforced Disappearance of Prominent Human Rights Lawyer, Gao Zhisheng
13 August 2023 marked six years since the enforced disappearance of the prominent Human Rights Lawyer Gao Zhisheng. Activists rallied globally across various cities, including the Lafayette Park outside the White House in Washington D.C., the Chinese Consulate in San Francisco, and Dam Square in Amsterdam, all united in their call for Gao Zhisheng’s immediate release.
The disappearance is believed to be closely linked to the memoir Gao Zhisheng published in 2016, recounting the experiences of torture he faced while imprisoned. The weight of Gao Zhisheng’s absence has been profoundly felt by his family, especially Gao’s wife Geng He, who joined the rally in San Francisco. Since Gao's disappearance, she has been without any communication or updates about his whereabouts. The absence of familial reunion is a lingering pain for them. As the sixth anniversary of her husband's disappearance approached, Geng He expressed the family's hope and yet also the uncertainty surrounding his whereabouts or even his current state of being.
As the International Day for the Victims of Enforced Disappearances on 30th August 2023 approaches, The 29 Principles recently updated the profile of lawyer Gao Zhisheng on our website, offering a narrative of his impactful human rights advocacy journey.
Prominent Chinese Human Rights Lawyer Ding Jiaxi Marks His 56th Birthday in Confinement
On 17 August 2023, Ding Jiaxi marked his 56th birthday while imprisoned. Sentenced in April 2023 to a 12-year term, Ding Jiaxi's dedication to human rights advocacy has been unwavering throughout his legal career. He aspired for China to transition from its present authoritarian stance to a democratic and peaceful state. ***Notably, the verdict of his trial has not been made available to either his lawyers or his family members, underscoring the non-compliance with proper procedures of criminal proceedings frequently seen in criminal proceedings against human rights lawyers and defenders.***
The 29 Principles has recently profiled Ding Jiaxi on our website, offering deeper insights into his life and work. Additionally, we've featured a story on Ding Jiaxi and legal scholar Xu Zhiyong, another co-founder of the New Citizen Movement. Xu was sentenced to a 14-year prison term. To delve further into their stories, please visit our website (available only in Chinese).
