EU Calls For Release Of China Rights Lawyer
ICC Note
The Chinese lawyer Gao Zhisheng is known for defending people whose human rights are violated, including Christians. Gao has again been sentenced for three years in prison after missing for 20 months.
12/21/2011 China (AFP)-European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton Thursday called for the immediate release of Chinese human rights lawyer Gao Zhisheng, who has been sent back to prison for three years.
A statement from Ashton's office said she was "deeply concerned" at news that Gao, who was missing for 20 months, has been sentenced again to three years in prison.
Ashton "calls for his immediate release and for information about his well-being and location," the statement added.
Ashton had repeatedly urged the Chinese government, at the highest level, to reveal his whereabouts, give him access to a lawyer and allow him to maintain contact with his family.
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Gao -- who defended some of China's most vulnerable people including Christians and coal miners -- was arrested in February 2009 and has been held incommunicado by the authorities.
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