AI URGENT ACTION: Help Yao Fuxin and others in China

Amnesty Stop Torture

FEAR OF TORTURE/ARREST

Yao Fuxin and others

2002-05-24 China

ACT NOW

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Yao Fuxin (m),aged 54 ]

Xiao Yunliang (m),aged 57 ]

Pang Qingxiang (m),aged 58 ] workers' representatives

Wang Zhaoming (m),aged 39 ]

Gu Baoshu (m), aged 37 ]

Wang Dawei (m),aged 50 ]

The first four workers' representatives named above are still in detention and there is serious concern for the health of Yao Fuxin who may have suffered a stroke. Following demonstrations calling for the release of these men, demonstrator Gu Baoshu has been severely beaten, harassed and threatened by the police. The whereabouts of another activist Wang Dawei, remain unknown as he has reportedly not been seen since mid April.

Yao Fuxin is believed to be seriously ill possibly due to ill treatment. On 11 April his wife was allowed to visit him, for the first time since his arrest, at the Tieling City Detention centre, in northeastern China. She reports that the right side of his body appeared to be numb, he was walking with a limp and his right hand was shaking. He may have suffered several minor strokes since his detention, but reportedly had no prior history of cardiovascular disease. His family have appealed for him to be released for medical treatment, but have not received a response from the authorities.

Following the detention of the four activists, demonstrations calling for their release and an investigation into the alleged embezzlement of funds from the Liaoyang city Ferroalloy factory, where Yao Fuxin was employed, have taken place. On 15 May, demonstrators including a retired woman and her son were allegedly beaten by plain clothes police.

On 16 April, Gu Baoshu, an activist involved in demonstrations, was forcibly taken from his home and severely beaten by the police. He was released after several hours of interrogation. He was reportedly covered in bruises, suffering from severe chest pains and had blood clots in his eyes. He was subsequently threatened and harassed by the police, following his demands for those responsible for his beatings to be investigated and his medical costs to be paid for by the Public Security Bureau.

Workers' leader Wang Dawei was reportedly travelling to Beijing from Liaoning Province to file a petition to the central authorities, against the current situation at the Ferroalloy factory. He has reportedly not been heard of since mid April, after calling Gu Baoshu's family to update them on his progress. It is feared that he might be in detention.

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Sign the petition and express your concern for Yao Fuxin and others

Simply click on the following link to sign the petition:

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Together we can Stamp Out Torture

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