Rights lawyer still illegally detained in China

Press Release: NZ Quit Chinese Communist Party Service Centre

Chinese human rights lawyer still illegally detained in Mainland China

Authorities hold Gao Zhisheng past 37 day limit without pressing charges, breaking Chinese law

Renowned Chinese human rights lawyer Gao Zhisheng, who sent shockwaves throughout China and the world by openly speaking out against the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) persecution of Falun Gong, is currently being illegally detained in a Chinese prison, and denied opportunities to meet with his lawyer.

Gao was arrested on Tuesday August 15 2006, following long-term harassment by CCP authorities. Authorities said they had arrested Gao for "suspicion of participating in criminal activities." However, according to Chinese law, after 37 days you must either charge the detainee with a crime or release them. Those 37 days expired on September 20, 2006. However, Gao is still being detained and is not allowed to meet his lawyer.

Gao's law firm was closed down in late 2005, after he sent an open letter to Hu Jintao and Wen Jiabao, calling for an end to the barbaric persecution of Falun Gong. His house was then surrounded by ten or more special agents 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and he was followed everywhere he went until his recent arrest.

New Zealand Falun Gong practitioners are seriously concerned for Gao's safety, and plan to hold a public event in Auckland this Saturday to support Gao.

14 million quit CCP
The number of people who have withdrawn membership from the CCP on a website constructed by The Epoch Times newspaper is on the brink of 14 million. The activities this Saturday will also celebrate this milestone. Details for the events are as follows:

11:00am Rally, Aotea Square, Downtown Auckland

11:30am Leave Aotea Square, march to bottom of Queen Street and back up to Aotea Square

11:00am - 2:00pm Display in Aotea Square, exposing the sever persecution of Falun Gong and the illegal detainment of Gao Zhisheng.

Contact: Daisy Lee - 021 100 1390

For more information on Gao Zhisheng and the withdrawals from the CCP, visit: www.epochtimes.co.nz

ENDS

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