ADVERTISEMENT

Government says China should see detained lawyers as "partners, not enemies"

"China's judiciary will never accept the West setting the tone for Pu's case," the paper said. "Even before, it had never accepted that for Liu Xiaobo and other Chinese citizens."

U.S. says China should see detained lawyers as partners, not enemies

The U.S. ambassador to China, Max Baucus, called on China on Thursday to recognise several detained rights lawyers as "partners, not enemies of the government" on International Human Rights Day, comments that are likely to anger Beijing.

In a statement to mark the occasion, Baucus said the United States remains "concerned over the crackdown on human rights lawyers and others who seek peacefully to contribute their views to the public discourse on the future of China".

Baucus's statement coincides with one from the German embassy in Beijing, which said that "serious problems persist" in China with regard to freedom of opinion.

Their remarks came a day after a United Nations rights watchdog called on China to halt torture of detainees that it said remains widespread in police stations and prisons and to close its secret illegal "black jails".

ADVERTISEMENT

China rejects any criticism of its human rights record, saying it is a country ruled by law and that it opposes foreign interference in its domestic affairs.

China's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment on either the U.S. or German statements.

In July, President Xi Jinping's administration launched an unprecedented crackdown on human rights lawyers in China, targeting hundreds of them in a nationwide sweep. The United Nations said at least 25 of 200 lawyers rounded up since July remain in detention.

"In some cases, these Chinese citizens have been detained in secret locations without access to their families or their lawyers," Baucus said in the statement posted on the embassy's website.

"This is deeply troubling and calls into question China's commitment to the rule of law."

ADVERTISEMENT

Baucus noted the cases of detained rights lawyers Wang Yu, Li Heping and Zhang Kai, saying they should be "embraced as partners, not enemies, of the government".

He also urged China to release Pu Zhiqiang, one of China's most prominent rights lawyers who is awaiting trial on charges of inciting ethnic hatred and causing a disturbance.

In a commentary on Wednesday, the state-run Global Times newspaper said the West's pressure on Pu's case reflects its desire to push its political interests.

Liu was jailed for 11 years in 2009 on subversion charges for organising a petition urging an end to one-party rule. He won the Nobel Peace Prize the following year.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

You make bold decisions & live with consequences - Ondo Gov hails Tinubu at 72

You make bold decisions & live with consequences - Ondo Gov hails Tinubu at 72

170 electrical vandalism cases in 2 years, 100 charged to court - EEDC

170 electrical vandalism cases in 2 years, 100 charged to court - EEDC

Dr Bello appointed chairman of Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) by Tinubu

Dr Bello appointed chairman of Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) by Tinubu

Don't curse, condemn Nigeria in your sermons - Tinubu tells clerics

Don't curse, condemn Nigeria in your sermons - Tinubu tells clerics

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Barrister Bida pens special birthday prayer for President Tinubu, Nigerians

Barrister Bida pens special birthday prayer for President Tinubu, Nigerians

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT