AAAS Scientific Responsibility, Human Rights and Law Program

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AAAS Human Rights Action Network

FACTS OF THE CASE:

On 30 October 1996, Wang Dan, a student and human rights activist was sentenced to 11 years in prison for "conspiring to subvert the government." The charges are based on articles published in overseas press, the receipt of donations from abroad, financial assistance received from two US-based organizations, and participation in a correspondence course with Berkeley University. Wang was held incommunicado detention for 17 months prior to his indictment.

Human rights groups have expressed concern about the fairness of Wang's trial, which was not open to the public. Wang's parents were only informed about the need to secure a lawyer for his defense on 11 October. In addition, Chinese political trials are known to violate internationally accepted standards for fair trials.

Wang Dan's political activities have been determined to constitute subversion and a fundamental threat to state security. The harsh sentence is believed to be due to Wang Dan's role as a leader of the Tiananmen Square protests in 1989 for which he has already served four years in prison. After the military crackdown, Wang was number 1 on the government's "most wanted list." Upon his release from prison on parole, Wang also was denied entry into Beijing University.

The arbitrary arrest of Wang Dan and the denial of a fair, public trial constitute a clear violation of human rights provisions enumerated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (accepted without objection by the United Nations in 1948.) They include:

• No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention, or exile (Article 9);
• Everyone charged with a penal offense has the right to be presumed innocent until proved guilty according to law in a public trial at which he has had all the guarantees necessary for his defense (Article 11 para. 1); and
• Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression (Article 19).

(Sources of information on this case include the New York Academy of Science and Human Rights Watch.)

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Please send telexes, telegrams, faxes, or airmail letters:

• Urging the Chinese government to release Wang Dan immediately and unconditionally on the grounds that he was prosecuted solely for the exercising his right to freedom of expression; and
• protesting the violation of Wang Dan's right to a fair, public trial.

APPEAL AND INQUIRY MESSAGES SHOULD BE SENT TO:

Jiang Zemin
President
Beijinshi
Zhonghua Renmin Gongheguo
People's Republic of China
Salutation: Your Excellency:

Pemier Li Peng Zongli
Guowoyuan
9 Xihuangchenggenbeijie
Beijingshi 100032
People's Republic of China
[Faxes: 011 86 10 512 5810 (via Ministry of Foreign Affairs)]
Salutation: Salutation: Your Excellency:

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