Chen Guangcheng (陈光诚), a well-known human rights activist and “barefoot lawyer,” was released today from Linyi Prison in Shandong Province after serving his full term of four years and three months of imprisonment. Convicted in 2006 of “intentionally damaging property and gathering crowds to disturb transport order,” Chen was jailed for his work exposing local authorities’ use of violence against villagers during official family planning campaigns.
Chen (who is blind) was sent home directly by prison authorities at around 6 this morning. According to his friends and supporters, following his release, Chen stated, “I have not changed at all…I want to thank all the friends who have been concerned about me.” While he appears to be in good spirits, Chen is in poor health: he looks weak and thin, and is still ill from chronic gastroenteritis. Chen has suffered from this illness since July 2008, and was not provided with adequate treatment while imprisoned. He was also beaten by fellow inmates on at least one occasion.
In the days leading up to Chen’s release, his wife, fellow human rights defender Yuan Weijing (袁伟静), was tightly monitored by local officials. Plainclothes policemen appeared outside her door and followed her whenever she left her home and on occasion prevented her from going out.
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Also see: China Human Rights Lawyers Concern Group - 中國維權律師關注組