LINYI, China, -- A reliable source inside China told Women's Rights Without Frontiers that forced abortion opponent Chen Guangcheng is alive. An unconfirmed report went out in early October that Chen had died under house arrest.
According to this source, who requested anonymity, "I keep regular contact with Chen's family and know well about his situation . . . Now his mother is allowed to go outside to buy food although escorted by three guards, and his health also is getting better."
The source attributed the improved treatment of Chen to the fact that "Chen's situation was exposed and got huge public attention." One campaign that brought considerable visibility to Chen's plight was the flow of concerned citizens attempting to visit him for his fortieth birthday on November 12. Many of these citizens were beaten and detained. In addition, the "Chen Sunglasses Freedom" campaigns inside and outside of China have raised the visibility of his case.
The source provided a photograph, which she stated was take on October 27, 2011. The photo pictures Chen stepping outside his home, together with his wife, Yuan Weijing, and mother.
The source continued, "Chen's situation has indeed improved. I have just sent him some medicine and covered the expenses for his family in the market . . . Chen's older brother can visit his mother and deliver some items under surveillance."
The source cautioned, however, that the slightly improved condition of Chen's house arrest is not a reason to relax the campaign to free him. Most relatives of Chen and his wife are not allowed to visit, including their son and his wife's parents. Moreover, the fact that Chen is now allowed food and medicine "is still far away from our basic request, that is, Chen should be freed right away, according to China's own law."
According to the source, the persecution of Chen supporters continues. An activist who announced that she would wear sunglasses in Linyi's central square this weekend was detained yesterday. Also yesterday, another activist from Yantai and a writer from Beijing, were arrested in Shandong attempting to distribute plastic bags and balloons bearing Chen's image, in honor of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, on Saturday, December 3.
The source stated, "From our view, the most effective step the Untied States can take is to send their China Ambassador to pay a visit to Chen's village and directly take Chen outside."
Reggie Littlejohn, President of Women's Rights Without Frontiers, stated, "We are thrilled and relieved that Chen is alive and his health is improving. This improved treatment demonstrates the power of the collaborative effort inside and outside China to raise the visibility of his case. We must not forget, however, that Chen's ongoing house arrest is illegal and that his medical condition remains weak."
Regarding the impact of U.S. officials visiting Chen, Littlejohn added, "We commend the courageous and persistent efforts of Rep. Chris Smith to visit Chen and urge the Chinese government to grant him a visa. We also urge U.S. Ambassador to China, Gary Locke, to visit Chen. We demand the immediate, unqualified release of Chen Guangcheng and his family."
Ms. Littlejohn will testify regarding Chen's case before the Congressional-Executive Commission on China at a hearing to be held on Tuesday, December 6 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., location TBA. On Wednesday, December 7, she will appear on Voice of America China Branch's program, "Issues and Opinions," broadcast throughout China at 9:00 a.m. EST.
Chen's investigation exposed the fact that there were 130,000 forced abortions and sterilizations under China's One Child Policy, in Linyi County in 2005. He was jailed for four years and three months, during which time he was tortured and denied medical treatment. He and his family remain under house arrest.
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Free Chen Guangcheng!":
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