Internet writer Tao Haidong sentenced to seven years' imprisonment

(WiPC/IFEX) - The WiPC of International PEN is deeply alarmed at reports that Xinjiang Internet writer Tao Haidong has been sentenced to seven years' imprisonment. PEN considers him to be detained primarily for his criticism of the Chinese authorities, in violation of Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Tao Haidong was reportedly arrested at his home in Urumqi, Xinjiang on 9 July 2002 while in the process of posting articles on the Internet. His trial began on 8 January 2003 and was conducted in secret at the Urumqi People's Court. He was found guilty of having posted material on the Internet that allegedly incited people to subvert the government and was sentenced to seven years'
imprisonment. His sentencing was disclosed by the "Official People's Court Daily" on 16 February, but the date of the court's decision is unknown.

According to articles in the Urumqi local press, Tao Haidong was arrested on suspicion of espionage after having posted articles on both Chinese and overseas websites predicting the collapse of China's economy and criticising China's leaders.

Tao Haidong previously completed 18 months of "Reform through Labour" for editing a book entitled "Imagining a New Human Race". He was released in January 2001 and subsequently became active on the Internet, often without using a pseudonym.

International PEN is extremely concerned at the recent crackdown on dissenting voices in China as illustrated by the case of Tao Haidong and those of Internet writers Guo Qinghai, Huang Qi, Liu Weifang, Qi Yanchen, Chen Shaowen, Liao Yiwu, Liu Di and Ouyang Yi (see IFEX alerts of 13 and 10 December, 25 September and 4 June 2002, 16 August, 4 July, 27 June, 9 February and 18 January 2001 and others).

Recommended Action

Send appeals to President Jiang Zemin:

- denouncing the crackdown on freedom of expression in China and reminding him of the freedom of expression guarantees provided by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

- protesting the severe sentence recently handed down to Tao Haidong

- calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Tao Haidong, Guo Qinghai, Huang Qi, Liu Weifang, Qi Yanchen, Chen Shaowen, Liao Yiwu, Liu Di and Ouyang Yi, and all other writers held solely for the exercise of their right to freedom of expression

Appeals To

His Excellency Jiang Zemin

President

State Council

Beijing 100032

People's Republic of China

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