Urgent Call for Release of Taiwan Publisher Li Yanhe from Chinese Detention
Human Rights Watch calls for the immediate release of Taiwanese publisher Li Yanhe (Fu Cha), imprisoned in China on dubious charges of “inciting secession.” His arrest exemplifies the Chinese government’s repression of free expression, particularly related to literature critical of the state. Recent trends show increasing detentions of Taiwanese citizens in China, warranting international attention and advocacy to protect literary freedoms.
Chinese authorities are urged to annul the conviction of Taiwanese publisher Li Yanhe, known as Fu Cha, and release him immediately. Detained since March 2023, Fu Cha was sentenced to three years in prison for allegedly “inciting secession”. The details of his trial and current conditions remain largely undisclosed. His case illustrates the repressive environment surrounding free expression in China, especially regarding works critical of the government.
At 54 years old, Fu Cha serves as the editor-in-chief of Gūsa Publishing in Taiwan, a firm that has translated and published various works on politics and history, some of which have been critical of the Chinese regime. Originally from China, Fu Cha became a Taiwanese citizen in early 2023. His detention occurred shortly after he attempted to rescind his Chinese household registration to comply with his new citizenship status.
Maya Wang, Human Rights Watch’s associate China director, condemned Fu Cha’s imprisonment, stating it was due to his publications that challenge the Chinese government’s narrative. Wang noted that the charges against Fu Cha are baseless, reflecting a broader effort to silence freedom of expression and intimidate Taiwan’s vibrant publishing sector.
Furthermore, the treatment of Fu Cha contravenes his human rights, affecting his rights to free expression, access to information, and a fair trial. An announcement regarding his conviction came from the Taiwan Affairs Office only after prompting by foreign journalists, shedding light on the lack of transparency in his case.
Despite China’s claims of due process, no specifics have been provided regarding the actions that led to Fu Cha’s charges. Reports suggest that Chinese authorities pressured his family to remain silent, and it remains unclear whether he has had access to legal representation, which is a requirement under international law. Taiwanese officials have criticized the opacity surrounding his situation, as China does not recognize Taiwan’s sovereignty or nationality.
The Chinese government has increasingly targeted Taiwanese nationals to reinforce its claims over Taiwan. Recent arrests of other Taiwanese individuals on various charges illustrate this trend. These actions have raised concerns about the safety of publishing and free thought in Taiwan, the last stronghold for Chinese-language expression outside of Beijing’s scrutiny.
Fu Cha’s arrest underscores the repercussions of China’s repressive strategies, which extend beyond its borders, threatening the freedom of writers internationally. Wang emphasized that Fu Cha’s wrongful imprisonment impacts all who aspire to publish in Chinese globally. Consequently, it is crucial for foreign governments to advocate for his release and support the preservation of free expression for Chinese-language audiences worldwide.
This article highlights the urgent call by Human Rights Watch for the release of Li Yanhe, also known as Fu Cha, underlining the systemic repression that persists within China concerning free expression and the rights of Taiwanese nationals. Fu Cha’s imprisonment reflects broader geopolitical tensions and the assault on literary freedom. The need for international advocacy is underscored, as his case exemplifies the potential for transnational repression affecting writers and their audiences.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
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