Arrest and trial of Chinese human rights defender, Zhang Lin
Front Line is deeply concerned by reports received regarding the alleged arrest of and legal action against pro-democracy activist and cyber dissident, Zhang Lin.
On 29 January 2005, local police in Bengbu, in the province of Anhui, arrested human rights defender Zhang Lin and several other individuals who had travelled with him to Beijing to attend a memorial service for the former, reformist Prime minister (1980-1987) and General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (1987-1989), Zhao Ziyang. At the time of his arrest, local police reportedly told him he would be held in administrative detention for 15 days. On 19 March, after nearly two months in detention, Zhang Lin was formally arrested on allegations of 'inciting subversion of state authority' for his contributions to several online-news sites. The charge carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
On 21 June 2005, the in camera trial of Zhang Lin was concluded in five hours by the Intermediate People’s Court of Bengbu, Anhui Province. It is reported that the trial failed to respect the international standards of due process. In particular, Zhang Lin was denied access to his lawyer. Sources report that the date for his scheduled sentencing has passed, and that his case has been delayed and is being moved to provincial level.
Front Line is concerned that the legal action taken against Zhang Lin is an attempt to silence independent voices who call for the promotion, protection and respect of human rights in China. Concern for the situation of Zhang Lin is heightened by the fact that he has reportedly been falsely imprisoned on three previous occasions.
Front Line is urging the authorities to: - Immediately and unconditionally release human rights defender, Zhang Lin, who Front Line believes has been detained and is being persecuted solely on account of his activities in defense of human rights - Review the criminal convictions against Zhang Lin, which appear to be based on his legitimate exercise of his freedom of expression - In the interim, ensure that he is treated in accordance with the standards set down by international law