Front Line is deeply concerned following reports received concerning the arbitrary arrest and harassment of Mr Wang Debang, a Beijing-based human rights defender, on 10 January 2009. Wang Debang was released after reportedly being interrogated for 6 hours.

Further Information

Posted 14/01/2009. On 10 January 2009, at approximately 11 p.m., Wang Debang was arrested at his home when the head of the National Security Police of Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau (PSB) arrived with over 20 policemen. During an interrogation in a PSB office, Wang Debang was questioned about his alleged part in the drafting of a forthcoming report on the situation of human rights defenders in China in 2008. He was also questioned about his part in “Charter 08”, an internet campaign which was launched on 9 December 2008 and calls for political reforms to promote human rights and democracy. After 6 hours, Wang Debang was released. Meanwhile, his home was searched in the presence of his wife and his daughters by police. His computer and other personal property were confiscated.

Front Line believes that Wang Debang has been targeted as a result of his legitimate human rights activities.