China: Protests possible after prominent dissident dies July 13

Event

Liu Xiaobo, a prominent Chinese dissident, passed away from liver cancer on Thursday, July 13. Members of the international community have criticized the Chinese government for preventing Liu from being transferred to a different facility to receive proper medical treatment for his condition before becoming terminally ill. The Chinese government also refused to allow Liu to receive treatment abroad once his condition worsened. Liu’s widow, Liu Xia, has been under house arrest without charge since 2010, and popular calls for her release are also on the rise. Although media coverage of Liu’s death has been heavily censored on mainland China, demonstrations in support of Liu Xiaobo and Liu Xia, and critical of the Chinese government, are possible in the coming days throughout China and Hong Kong.

Context

Liu was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2010 for his advocacy of peaceful activism for human rights in China. He was sentenced to 11 years in prison after being charged with “inciting subversion of state power” in 2009. The authorities arrested him after he helped write a petition known as “Charter 08” which called for the end of one-party rule in China and other political reforms. Liu also assisted in leading protests in 1989 in Beijing and at Tiananmen Square. Demonstrations related to the Chinese government’s treatment of Liu have occurred in the past.

Advice

Individuals in China are advised to monitor the situation and to avoid any protests that may occur.