March 31, 2010
A Christian human rights organization is reporting that missing human rights attorney Gao Zhisheng has been confirmed to be "alive."
ChinaAid, which monitors persecution of Christians in China, said that Gao Zhisheng spoke to his wife and children on Sunday, March 28, for the first time in over a year.
"False rumors of his death, torture, and escape from the custody of the Chinese Government have shrouded Gao's absence with mystery," said a ChinaAid spokesperson. "Gao's brief phone conversations with western media on Sunday mark the first official contact the public has had with him since his abduction by police on February 4, 2009."
ChinaAid told ANS that Gao had, over the phone, informed AP and Reuter's reporters that he had been released from detention six months ago, and had taken up residence at Wutai Shan mountain, a Buddhist landmark in northern Shanxi province. He refused to give details on his condition, saying he could not legally give interviews.
Gao's close friend and fellow human rights lawyer, Li Heping, also confirmed he had spoken with Gao on Sunday.
"It's certainly him. I spoke to him over the phone. I could tell from the way he spoke and the way he spoke to me that it's him."
When Li asked to visit, Gao refused to give him details on his whereabouts, saying he had "friends around him" -- indicating he was being held under close surveillance by Chinese authorities.
Gao's wife Geng He, and their two children, expressed great relief and joy in also being able to speak with him on Sunday morning. Geng He hopes Gao Zhisheng will be allowed to rejoin his family in the United States soon. According to reliable sources, the pressure on Geng He and the family has increased during Gao's absence. Reports indicate Geng He's parents have been severely harassed in recent months, due to their relationship to son-in-law, Gao Zhisheng.
Gao has felt guilty for the backlash friends and family. He told the Associated Press, "I just want to be in peace and quiet for a while and be reunited with my family. Most people belong with family. I have not been with mine for a long time. This is a mistake and I want to correct this mistake."
ChinaAid President Bob Fu confirmed the reports. "After examining Gao's voice in the interview," he said, "I too am convinced that it is Gao."
ChinaAid has waged an international campaign to Free Gao for more than a year, circulating petitions and calling on the international community to raise awareness for Gao's cause. Last week, prominent human rights attorney Dr. Li Baiguang joined President Fu in meeting with high-ranking members of the British and European Parliaments in London and Brussels, calling awareness to Gao's cause. They met with seven members of the Northern Ireland Assembly in Belfast today, including First Minister Mr. Peter Robinson, who expressed particular concern for Gao Zhisheng.
"We are thankful for the assurance that Gao is alive and praise the more than 124,000 supporters in over 180 countries around the world who have signed the petition, and have not allowed him to be forgotten," said Mr. Fu. "Due to the international pressure levied by these faithful supporters, the Chinese Government has been forced to respond and to allow Gao Zhisheng to reconnect with his loved ones."
Mr. Fu further warned that the recent contact with Gao is only the beginning.
"Yesterday's events," he said, "happened as a result of international pressure. But Gao is not free yet. His movements are still being watched and monitored. He is not free to speak publicly or without surveillance."
Fu went on to say, "Gao Zhisheng is entitled to be free, according Chinese law, if he is not found in violation of laws during the probationary period. And according to international norms, he has the right to travel overseas to reunite with his family, if he has not violated his probation. As a defender and protector of the law, Gao Zhisheng has upheld his end. We must continue to press the Chinese government to free Gao Zhisheng and uncensor his movements, according to the law, and to allow him to reunite with his family."
ChinaAid urges the international community to continue raising their voices in support of Mr. Gao Zhisheng. Thanks to international concern, Gao's case has not been forgotten, and the Chinese government has been forced to respond.
An ChinaAid spokesperson said, "Contact your local representative or embassy officials today, and call on the Chinese Government to Free Gao Zhisheng. Enlist the help of U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon to sign an initiative on Gao, and to uphold the international covenants on human rights."
For more information on Gao Zhisheng or to Sign the Petition, visit www.FreeGao.com.
Copyright 2010 ASSIST News Service. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Photo of Gao Zhisheng courtesy of ChinaAid.
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