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Police arrest cyber-dissident Zhang Lin

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called for the immediate release of pro-democracy activist and cyber-dissident Zhang Lin, who was arrested on 29 January 2005 in Bengbu (Anhui province, west of Shanghai) for posting articles on various websites. Police told his wife he would be detained for two weeks.

"We firmly condemn the harassment of pro-democracy intellectuals that has been taking place since the death of former prime minister Zhao Ziyang," the organisation said.

The two weeks of detention imposed on Zhang is an administrative measure that is often applied in "disturbance of the peace" cases. In this instance, it is clearly intended as a warning to the cyber-dissident that he should stop speaking out and publishing articles.

On 6 February, a dozen police officers searched Zhang's home and confiscated his computer. One of the officers reportedly told his wife that "he will not be treated nicely" if he continued to write.

Zhang is a well-known activist who has often posted articles on websites linked to the Falun Gong spiritual movement, such as http://www.Dajiyuan.com and http://www.Epochtimes.com, as well as on http://www.Boxun.com, a website about human rights in China. In an interview for "Epoch Times" magazine a few days prior to his arrest, Zhang described former prime minister Zhao as a "sincere man" and "unique Chinese leader."