Liu Xiaobo

China should respect the feelings of the world outside

Jananeethi & Jananeethi Institute, Kerala, India are delighted to congratulate the Chinese human rights activist and democratic campaigner, LIU XIAOBO, for the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize.

The award puts China’s human rights record squarely back in the spotlight. It honours not only Liu’s unflinching advocacy but all those in China who struggle daily to make the government more accountable and democratically responsive.

By choosing Liu for the prize, the Nobel Committee made an important decision to high light a reality few want to acknowledge about China that its government continues to persecute human rights advocates, lawyers and journalists.

In December 2009, a Beijing court sentenced Liu to 11 years in prison for co-authoring Charter 2008, an online petition to put human rights, democracy and the rule of law at the core of the Chinese political system.

China has once again proved its anti-human, anti-democratic and fascist character by violently reacting to the award. It has barred journalists meeting Liu Xia, wife of Liu Xiaobo, put Liu Xia under house arrest, destroyed her cell phone and thus ascertained that she does not communicate to anyone outside. Further, China has warned Norway of serious diplomatic consequences in the aftermath of the award.

We, members of Jananeethi & Jananeethi Institute, ardently implore the Chinese political leadership to take steps to release Liu Xiaobo from prison forthwith and initiate for democratic change in the country.

- Jananeethi Family -

October 12, 2010