Free Chinese Activist Wang Lihong
- by: Care2.com
- recipient: Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
Chinese authorities jailed activist Wang Lihong for "assembling a crowd to block traffic." At the time, Wang Lihong happened to be protesting on behalf of three online activists. Now, this active woman known for passing out food and clothing to those living on the streets while waiting to seek justice could face up to five years in prison herself.
According to her lawyers, her trial was anything but fair, and lasted only a few hours long. Fellow activists expect a verdict within the month.
As Wang Lihong herself has said, "If I remain silent in the face of suffering and evil, then the next evil that should be struck down is myself." We must not remain silent in the face of Wang Lihong's suffering. Ask Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to demand her freedom today!
I am writing out of deep concern for Wang Lihong, the well-known activist currently on trial for exercising her right to organize a peaceful public protest and following the calling of her conscience.
This woman is a shining example of Chinese virtue, overflowing with kindness, humility, and civic responsibility. She is known for supporting the families of detained activists, doing everything from cooking and caring for their children to arranging financial support and legal services for their imprisoned spouses. She passes out clothing to those who are living on the streets while waiting for justice. "I am a conscientious person," she has written in humble explanation. "I cannot guarantee to remain silent when faced with suffering... I cannot pretend not to see such tragic events."
It is mandatory that Chinese authorities protect Wang Lihong during her time in custody before she is sentenced. Her health is poor and it is unfortunately likely that she is currently facing poor treatment or even torture.
I urge you to work toward the freedom of Wang Lihong, a woman whose only crime is her hawk-like eye for injustice and her compassionate heart.
Sincerely,
[your name here]
