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ChinaPolitics

Fears mount for health of Chinese activist Guo Feixiong entering 40th day of hunger strike

He has lost a third of his weight since he began refusing food to protest torture and humiliating treatment of China’s political prisoners, his former legal representative says

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Guo Feixiong, whose real name is Yang Maodong, pictured after helping villagers of Taishi village in Guangdong remove their headman for alleged corruption. Guo was jailed for six years for his efforts. Photo: SCMP Pictures
Mimi Lau

Fears are mounting for the health of rights activist Guo Feixiong whose weight has dropped by a third since he started a hunger strike in jail 40 days ago.

Guo’s siblings are said to have been pressured into silence by security officials.

His collarbones are clearly visible, and the authorities have been threatening his brother and sister from speaking to the outside world about his condition
Sui Muqing, lawyer

Guangzhou-based lawyer Sui Muqing, the activist’s former legal representative, said Guo was in dire health from the action he began on May 9 in protest against the treatment of political prisoners.

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“The hunger strike is ongoing but his weight dropped from about 75kg when he was first locked up to less than 52kg now,” Sui said.

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“His collarbones are clearly visible, and the authorities have been threatening his brother and sister from speaking to the outside world about his condition,” Sui added.

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