A Chinese prison on Sept. 9 released Chen Guangcheng, a blind Chinese human rights legal activist who has finished serving a four-year sentence for damaging property and “organizing a mob to disturb traffic.” According to Human Rights Watch, the Chinese authorities have since placed Chen under house arrest and increased surveillance of his home and family, bringing into question the authenticity of his release. Family members allege that Chen suffers from health problems caused by mistreatment he received while in prison, including beatings and repeated food poisonings. Chen claims the charges were retribution for his documentation of forced sterilizations and abortions performed by Chinese officials to enforce China’s one-child policy.
From Jurist, Sept. 9. Used with permission.
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