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China: Liu Xiaobo Arrest Signals Hardening of Political Climate

by Barbara McPherson | June 26, 2009 at 06:47 pm

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A prominent human rights activist in China, Liu Xiaobo, has been arrested. The Liu Xiaobo arrest may signal a hardening of the political climate in China. Liu Xiaobo has been held in detention since December of last year following his signing of a petition calling for greater democracy in China.

Liu was formally arrested on June 23 for "alleged agitation activities aimed at subversion of the government and overthrowing of the socialist system." Subversion is punishable in China by up to 15 years in prison. The petition signed by Liu last December, Charter 08, urges putting human rights, democracy, and the rule of law at the core of the Chinese political system. Originally signed by 303 Chinese citizens, including rights defenders and legal activists, it has been widely circulated online and has now collected more than 8,000 signatures.

This is not the first time that Liu Xiaobo has been arrested. He spent nearly two years in prison following the Tiananmen Square crackdown. He has spoken out about the arrest of other human rights workers.

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Babel-Fish

at 19:49 on June 26th, 2009

I really do not think this is any signal its just a case of Liu Xiaobo overstepping the line, its certainly not fair and indicates that China has not changed its view.

Amy Judd

at 21:53 on June 26th, 2009

Oh no...

Fov

at 01:06 on June 27th, 2009

I am so gratified there are some passionated netizens concern about the democracy and the arrested warrior in China.As a Chinese,i'd like to say Due to the big power from close to 300 million netizens and the surging economy with the improved living standard.More and more people wake up and fight for their rights,more sensitive affairs and human rights involved issues are discussed on line.meanwhile the situation sweep accross the whole country.Ordinary people in the conflict bettween government never be weak and negative.The opinion market dominated by government ever before have been broken now.I predict there will no possible case occured such as 1989 in tiananmen square except the party is at the fringe of ruin.

Thanks again for amujudd!