May 20, 2003
Liaoyang Mayor Yuanliang
Liaoyang Mayor Yuanliang
PO Box 8208
Alexandria, VA 22306-8208
May 20, 2003
Liaoyang Mayor Yuanliang
Dear Sir,
I would like to bring your attention to the case of Chinese labor organizers Yao Fuxin and Xiao Yunliang. On May 9, Mr. Yao and Mr. Xiao were convicted by the Liaoyang Intermediate People’s Court of subversion and were sentenced to seven and four years imprisonment respectively, highlighting the Chinese government’s disrespect for freedom of speech, association and assembly. I call on you to release Yao and Xiao immediately and unconditionally, annul all convictions against them and to repeal laws which restrict the rights of workers to protest against unfair conditions of labor and managerial corruption.
As you are aware, after playing an instrumental role in widespread protests against corruption and unpaid wages and benefits in the Ferro-Alloy Factory in Liaoyang, Yao was arrested on March 17 and Xiao on March 20, 2002. They were initially charged with “illegal assembly, marches and protests” under the PRC Law on Assemblies, Procession and Demonstrations. On January 1, 2003, state prosecutors brought additional charges of subversion.
I am concerned that the detentions and subversion charges are forms of retaliation directed against these worker leaders, designed to prevent similar protests in the future. There is absolutely no evidence that the protesters acted with intent to subvert or overthrow the state.
The conviction and sentencing of Yao Fuxin and Xiao Yunliang amount to violations of the fundamental rights to freedom of association, expression and assembly, violations which systematically curtail the ability of workers to articulate their concerns and obtain redress. These rights are safeguarded by the Chinese Constitution and international law.
I demand that you ensure the immediate and unconditional release of Yao Fuxin and Xiao Yunliang and the quashing of their convictions. Moreover, I urge you to release all independent labor organizers and those imprisoned or held in labor camps for peacefully exercising their rights to free expression, association and assembly.
Thank you for your consideration of this important matter.
Sincerely,
James Landrith