AAAS Scientific Responsibility, Human Rights and Law Program

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AAAS Human Rights Action Network

FACTS OF THE CASE:

Student and human rights activist Wang Dan arrived in the U.S. on 19 April 1998 following his release from prison on medical parole. Wang was reportedly given the choice to stay in jail in China or to go to the U.S. on medical parole.

Wang had complained of persistent headaches and a throat infection; however, his doctors at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit reported him to be in stable and good condition.

Wang was Number 1 on the government's "most wanted" list for his leadership role in the 1989 pro-democracy demonstrations, for which he spent four years in prison. Upon his release, he resumed his pro-democracy activities and was arrested again in May 1995. After being held for 17 months incommunicado, Wang was sentenced in a closed trial to 11 years in prison for "conspiring to subvert the government." The charges were based on articles published in the overseas press, the receipt of donations from abroad, financial assistance received from two US-based organizations, and participation in a correspondence course offered by the University of California at Berkeley University.

Wang's release into exile is reportedly part of a deal between China and the U.S. in anticipation of President Clinton's scheduled visit to China in June. U.S. officials describe Wang's release as a very positive step; however, human rights groups have criticized his forced exile.

No further action is requested.

(Source of information for this update is The Washington Post; previous sources include the New York Academy of Science; and Human Rights Watch.)

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