Human Rights in China has learned that Hangzhou-based writer Lü Gengsong will stand trial on January 22, 2008, on charges of “inciting subversion of state power.”

A Hangzhou Intermediate People’s Court judge reportedly called Lü Gengsong’s wife, Wang Xue’e, on the morning of January 11, telling Wang that the procuratorate submitted Lü’s indictment to the court on January 10 and sent a copy to Lü. Lü was taken into custody on August 24, 2007 and is currently being held at a detention center.

Only 11 days into 2008, Lü Gengsong has been indicted, Hu Jia criminally detained, and Chen Guangcheng’s wife Yuan Weijing continues to be harassed. These are only three examples of China’s failure to honor its commitment to a ‘Free and Open Olympics.’ — Sharon Hom, Executive Director of HRIC

Lü Gengsong taught at a special training school for public security officers, but was dismissed in 1993 because of his activities in support of democratic reform in China. In recent years he supported himself as a free-lance writer. He published a book, Corruption in the Communist Party of China, in 2000, and has also published a number of articles on corruption, organized crime, and related topics. More recently, he has followed rights defense activities, including reporting on the sentencing of Hangzhou eviction protester Yang Yunbiao.

“As the Olympic year begins, it is disturbing to see that during China’s intense preparations for the Games, there is an equally intense crackdown on human rights defenders,” said Human Rights in China Executive Director Sharon Hom. “Only 11 days into 2008, Lü Gengsong has been indicted, Hu Jia criminally detained, and Chen Guangcheng’s wife Yuan Weijing continues to be harassed. These are only three examples of China’s failure to honor its commitment to a ‘Free and Open Olympics.’”

For more information on Lü Gengsong, see:

• "HRIC Case Update: Lü Gengsong’s Case Transferred to Procuratorate," November 29, 2007, http://www.hrichina.org/public/contents/45741;
   
• "HRIC Statement: HRIC Protests Detention of Writer Lü Gengsong," August 27, 2007, http://www.hrichina.org/public/contents/44709.
   

To promote freedom of expression in China, see Human Rights in China’s Take Action Olympics Campaign: http://www.ir2008.org