The Deteriorating Health of a Prominent Chinese Activist

Dispatches Prominent Chinese Activist Seriously Ill in Prison

Persecution of Guo Feixiong Epitomizes China’s Rights Crisis

By Maya Wang, Associate Director

October 6, 2023 10:04AM EDT

The prominent Chinese lawyer and writer Yang Maodong, better known as Guo Feixiong, is facing a critical state of health while serving an eight-year prison sentence on baseless charges of “incitement to subvert state power.” Guo’s health has deteriorated significantly in the five months since his imprisonment, exacerbated by a hunger strike he began around August. As a result, his weight has dropped nearly by half.

To many people in China, the 57-year-old Guo is a hero. Born during the Cultural Revolution, he grew up poor in the countryside but defied the odds to earn a place at a prestigious Chinese university. In 2005, Guo made the courageous decision to become a lawyer-activist, using his legal knowledge to defend persecuted Falun Gong practitioners and advocate for asset transparency of Chinese officials. He is also a leader of the informal activist network known as the “New Citizens Movement.” One of his most notable achievements was his involvement in Taishi village, Guangdong province, where he supported villagers in their peaceful effort to rid the village of corrupt officials. Guo’s work in Taishi village inspired a nascent movement for civil rights in China.

In any other country, Guo’s accomplishments would have been celebrated. However, in China, he has been imprisoned twice, serving a total of 11 years between 2006 and 2019, and subjected to repeated torture. His wife, Zhang Qing, fled to the United States with their children in 2009. After Guo’s release, he was prohibited from leaving China to care for Zhang, who was critically ill with cancer. In December 2021, Guo was forcibly disappeared by authorities, and a month later, Zhang passed away.

The Growing Rights Crisis in China

The mistreatment of Guo Feixiong by the authorities is sadly emblematic of the human rights crisis that has intensified under President Xi Jinping’s leadership. The “weiquan movement,” which Guo played a pivotal role in, offered glimpses of a China that could have turned towards greater openness, ruled by law, and supported by a strong civil society. However, instead of progressing in this direction, China seems to be regressing.

President Xi may believe that he will maintain complete control over the country, but it is individuals like Guo who embody perseverance, integrity, and the unyielding belief that “rights trump might.” Their struggles for a more just and rights-respecting China will continue to inspire many others.

Editorial: A Call for International Attention

The deteriorating health of Guo Feixiong is deeply concerning and highlights the urgent need for international attention and action. The Chinese government’s imprisonment and mistreatment of human rights defenders strikes at the core of fundamental values that we hold dear – freedom of expression, the rule of law, and the right to dissent.

While diplomatic efforts to engage with China on human rights issues have been met with resistance in the past, it is crucial that world leaders and international organizations use their platforms to advocate for the immediate release and proper medical treatment of Guo Feixiong. The international community must not turn a blind eye to his plight and the larger human rights crisis unfolding in China.

Advice for Activists and Supporters

For activists and supporters of human rights in China, the case of Guo Feixiong serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance and unity. Despite facing immense challenges and enduring personal suffering, Guo’s unwavering commitment to justice and human rights has inspired countless others.

It is crucial for activists to continue shining a light on the human rights situation in China, raising awareness among their own communities and advocating for change. This can be done through organizing public events, engaging with international human rights organizations, and leveraging the power of social media to amplify the voices of those who are marginalized and oppressed.

Additionally, it is essential for international supporters to stand in solidarity with activists like Guo Feixiong. This can be achieved through advocacy campaigns, signing petitions, and contacting relevant government officials to express concern and demand action. By working together, we can create a global movement that puts pressure on the Chinese government and sends a clear message that human rights violations will not be tolerated.

The case of Guo Feixiong is a stark reminder of the ongoing human rights crisis in China. It is our responsibility, as global citizens, to condemn such abuses and stand up for those who are silenced. Only through collective action can we hope to create a more just and rights-respecting world.

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