Group of Chevening scholars call on China to release detained #MeToo, labour activists
- Sophia Huang, who was awarded the UK scholarship, and her friend Wang Jianbing were arrested three months ago on suspicion of ‘inciting subversion of state power’
- A statement from more than 110 Chevening alumni urges the authorities to ‘immediately disclose their whereabouts’ and unconditionally release the pair
In a joint statement, the scholars also asked the British Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), which funds the scholarship, to begin a dialogue with the Chinese authorities about the pair and for the Chevening leadership team to stand with the alumni in calling for their release.
“We express our utmost concern over the arbitrary arrest and detention of Chevenor Huang Xueqin as it seems to be only aimed at punishing her and her fellow for their legitimate human rights [activism],” said the statement, which was released on Thursday by the concern group Free Xueqin & Jianbing.
“We urge the Chinese authorities to immediately disclose their whereabouts and unconditionally release Huang Xueqin and Wang Jianbing.”
The 112 Chevening scholars and alumni who signed the open statement came from more than 40 countries including Brazil, Pakistan and South Africa, and nine were from mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
Huang and Wang have been arrested on suspicion of “inciting subversion of state power”, an offence that carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. They are being held at the Guangzhou No 1 Detention Centre, according to a charge sheet issued by police in October.
No one has been able to see the pair since they were detained in September, and a visitation request from the lawyer hired by Wang’s family was denied, according to the concern group. It said the family had also been told by the authorities not to speak about the case.
An FCDO spokeswoman said the office remained concerned that there had been no contact with Huang or Wang since September, and it was closely following the matter.
The Chinese foreign ministry did not immediately respond to inquiries.