Supporters demand billionaire activist's release following 'black Friday' of multiple arrests
In a statement published on early Saturday morning, hundreds supporters of China’s New Citizen Movement called on the Chinese government to release prominent venture capitalist Wang Gongquan, following his detention on Friday they described as "barbaric" and "cruel."
The statement by Wang ‘s supporters said the accusation was “ridiculous”, since Wang “could not possibly have disturbed order in any public places.”
“Mr. Wang is an adamant supporter of New Citizen Movement, ” it said, “this means he endorses the use of peaceful and legal methods to fight for Chinese citizens’ rights promised by the constitution, the development of China's citizen society, and ultimately to realise the peaceful transition of Chinese society.”
The statement also described Wang as a “sincere Buddhist” and “thorough humanitarian” who has nothing but “goodwill” towards the world and other people.
Micobrologgers who closely followed the news of activists' arrests that broke on Friday, commented on Weibo that it was indeed a very "black Friday."
He Weifang, a liberal Peking University law professor, spoke out on his Weibo on Saturday regarding the recent arrests, criticising the Chinese government for “establishing its rule on the basis of people’s fears.”
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