NGOs, activists call for release of detained eco-warrior Liu Futang

Twenty-six environmental NGOs and 96 individuals have issued a joint statement calling for the release of environmentalist-blogger Liu Futang, who went on trial in Hainan's provincial capital last week, charged with "illegal business operation" for self-publishing books on environmental conflicts.

The statement was sent to a court in Haikou on Monday. Feng Yongfeng, founder of the Green Beagle environmental group, said the organisations and individuals were also encouraged to send their own copies to the court.

Prosecutors have accused Liu, 63, of printing and distributing 18,000 copies of books worth 464,000 yuan (HK$568,000), and illegally obtaining 78,000 yuan.

"How the court handles this case serves as a test for the wisdom and conscience of Hainan, and will also decide the public's willingness to be involved in environmental protection in the future," the statement said.

Feng said it was high time the court released Liu, whose health had deteriorated severely while in detention.

Liu was detained in July when he was being treated in a local hospital for high blood pressure and diabetes. The authorities have not allowed him to receive food and clothes from his relatives while in detention.