Joint letter calling for the safe release of Chinese Lawyer

Who we wrote to

The Chinese authorities

What’s the issue

Jiang Tianyong, a Chinese rights defence lawyer, was tried on 22 August 2017 by the Changsha Intermediate People’s Court of the crime of “inciting subversion of state power”.

His family-appointed defence lawyer did not receive notice of the trial, and his father was forced to appear, calling into question the court’s impartiality and transparency. Jiang was convicted and sentenced to two years’ imprisonment, and three years’ deprivation of political rights.

What we asked for

We urge the Chinese government to:

• respect Jiang’s request to return to his home in Beijing upon his release
• respect Jiang’s right to leave the People’s Republic of China freely, should he choose, in order to be reunited with his family
• cease harassment, surveillance and continuing persecution of Jiang Tianyong, his family and his colleagues

We'll be monitoring the situation to make sure that Jiang's scheduled release in February 2019 and treatment after release are in line with Chinese law and international human rights standards.

Timeline

November 2016 – Jiang Tianyong was reported missing

6 February 2017 – we sent an intervention letter to the president of China out of concern of the detention of Jian Tianyong, after his initial disappearance in November 2016

22 August 2017 – Jiang Tianyong was tried on 22 August 2017 by the Changsha Intermediate People’s Court of the crime of ‘inciting subversion of state power’ and was convicted and sentenced to two years’ imprisonment, and three years’ deprivation of political rights

28 February 2019 – Jiang Tianyong was due to be released