[CS-FSLUG] Gao Zhisheng Confirmed 'Alive!' Thanks to International Support

[Fred A. Miller]

ChinaAid

Gao Zhisheng Confirmed 'Alive!' Thanks to International Support

ChinaAid
March 29, 2010

Gao ZhishengSHANXI -- On Sunday, March 28, 2010, missing human rights 
lawyer Gao Zhisheng spoke to his wife and children for the first time in 
over a year - confirming he is still alive! False rumors of his death, 
torture, and escape from the custody of the Chinese Government have 
shrouded Gao's absence with mystery for over a year. Gao's brief phone 
conversations with western media mark the first official contact the 
public has had with him since his abduction by police on February 4, 2009.

Yesterday, Gao informed reporters that he had been released from 
detention six months ago, and had taken up residence at Wutai Shan 
mountain, a Buddhist landmark in northern Shanxi province. He refused to 
give details on his condition or whereabouts, saying he could not 
legally give interviews.

Close friend and fellow human rights lawyer Li Heping confirmed he had 
also spoken with Gao on Sunday. Gao told him he had "friends around him" 
- indicating he was being held under close surveillance by Chinese 
authorities.

Gao's wife Geng He and their children were overwhelmed with emotion as 
they spoke with Gao on Sunday morning. The children could not stop 
crying. In a statement released on Monday morning, Geng He appealed to 
the Chinese government to allow Gao Zhisheng to join the family in New 
York. Gao's family has suffered greatly in his absence. Geng He's 
parents have been severely harassed in recent months, for which Gao 
feels guilty.

He told the Associated Press, "I just want to be in peace and quiet for 
a while and be reunited with my family. Most people belong with family. 
I have not been with mine for a long time. This is a mistake and I want 
to correct this mistake."

While on his campaign in Europe 
<http://www.chinaaid.org/qry/page.taf?id=105&_function=detail&sbtblct_uid1=1405&month=03&year=2010> 
to promote awareness of Gao's cause, ChinaAid President Bob Fu 
attributed the breakthrough to increased international pressure. "Thanks 
to the more than 124,000 supporters in over 180 countries around the 
world who have signed the petition to Free Gao, the Chinese Government 
has been forced to respond and to allow Gao Zhisheng to reconnect with 
his loved ones."

ChinaAid thanks you for your continued support and urges you to continue 
to take action. From Argentina to Zimbabwe, you, the international 
community have answered the call. And this is just the beginning.

Gao is not free yet. His movements are still being watched and 
monitored. He is not free to speak publicly or without surveillance. We 
must continue to press the Chinese government to free Gao Zhisheng, to 
uncensor his movements, and to allow him to reunite with his family.

Take Action:

   1. Encourage more to Sign the Petition
      <http://www.FreeGao.com/index.html?refnum=687522>. Every voice
      counts, and every voice will be heard!
   2. Call on your local representatives
      <http://www.FreeGao.com/bg_ChinaAidPetitions_FreeGao-EmailUSReps_386.html?refnum=687522>
      to take official action on behalf of Gao Zhisheng.
   3. Urge U.N Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
      <http://www.FreeGao.com/bg_ChinaAidPetitions_FreeGao-EmailUNReps_394.html?refnum=687522>
      to hold the Chinese government to the international covenants on
      human rights.

Thanks to you, the world has now regained contact with Mr. Gao Zhisheng. 
Because of you, Gao was able to reconnect with his family. With your 
continued support, we can make their dream of reunion a reality!

For more ways to get involved, visit www.FreeGao.com 
<http://www.FreeGao.com/index.html?refnum=687522>.

-- 
A REVOLUTIONARY IDEA! 'Time to put Nana Pelosi in a home!'

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