Chinese lawyer Xu Zhiyong goes on hunger strike in protest against prison conditions

A prominent Chinese human rights lawyer, Xu Zhiyong, has launched a hunger strike to protest against his mistreatment in prison while serving a 14-year sentence for subversion of state power. Xu’s fast has raised concerns about his declining health and lack of medical care, prompting fellow activists to call for his immediate release. Despite being held separately and monitored constantly by fellow prisoners, Xu has been deprived of basic rights such as communication with his family and access to writing materials. His partner, Li Qiaochu, was previously jailed for speaking out against Xu’s alleged torture. Xu, a key figure in the New Citizens’ Movement advocating for transparency and citizens’ rights, was arrested in 2020 after calling for Chinese President Xi Jinping’s resignation. Organizations like Chinese Human Rights Defenders are urging international support for Xu’s release and proper medical treatment. As Xu continues his hunger strike, it is crucial for governments to stand up for his rights and those of other unjustly imprisoned dissidents in China. Despite Beijing denying allegations of human rights violations, Xu’s case sheds light on the ongoing suppression of dissent under President Xi’s rule.

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