Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09BEIJING827
2009-03-27 10:17:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Beijing
Cable title:
PRC: "RELEVANT DEPARTMENTS" HAVE NOT MISTREATED
how-toVZCZCXRO1964 OO RUEHCN RUEHGH RUEHVC DE RUEHBJ #0827 0861017 ZNY CCCCC ZZH O 271017Z MAR 09 FM AMEMBASSY BEIJING TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 3150 INFO RUEHOO/CHINA POSTS COLLECTIVE RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC
C O N F I D E N T I A L BEIJING 000827
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/27/2034
TAGS: PHUM PGOV PREL CH
SUBJECT: PRC: "RELEVANT DEPARTMENTS" HAVE NOT MISTREATED
GAO ZHISHENG
Classified By: Deputy Political Section Chief
Ben Moeling. Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).
C O N F I D E N T I A L BEIJING 000827
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/27/2034
TAGS: PHUM PGOV PREL CH
SUBJECT: PRC: "RELEVANT DEPARTMENTS" HAVE NOT MISTREATED
GAO ZHISHENG
Classified By: Deputy Political Section Chief
Ben Moeling. Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).
1. (C) MFA IO Human Rights Division Official Wang Gang,
responding to the Embassy's representations expressing
grave concern for the well-being of rights lawyer Gao
Zhisheng, told PolOff March 27 that "relevant
departments" have "never mistreated" Gao. Wang said Gao
is a confessed "criminal" who is "serving the probation
period of his sentence." Wang stated that judicial
authorities "resisted" responding to the Embassy's
inquiry about Gao because "they claim they are
independent" and "think we should be tough on foreign
intervention." Wang said Gao was convicted of inciting
state subversion and sentenced to three years in prison
and one year's deprivation of political rights. Because
of Gao's "meritorious activities," Wang said, his
sentence was suspended for five years. Wang said Gao now
"resides in Beijing" but provided no further information
concerning Gao's condition.
2. (C) PolOff conveyed the United States government's
deep concern for Gao's well-being, noting reports that he
was severely tortured in the past and faces a risk to his
life. Wang had no direct response, but asked the USG not
to "believe rumors or take ungrounded actions." Wang
said he hoped the United States would not do anything
"harmful to the upcoming London G20 summit or Sino-U.S.
relations," though he did not directly link this
statement to Gao's case.
PICCUTA
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/27/2034
TAGS: PHUM PGOV PREL CH
SUBJECT: PRC: "RELEVANT DEPARTMENTS" HAVE NOT MISTREATED
GAO ZHISHENG
Classified By: Deputy Political Section Chief
Ben Moeling. Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).
1. (C) MFA IO Human Rights Division Official Wang Gang,
responding to the Embassy's representations expressing
grave concern for the well-being of rights lawyer Gao
Zhisheng, told PolOff March 27 that "relevant
departments" have "never mistreated" Gao. Wang said Gao
is a confessed "criminal" who is "serving the probation
period of his sentence." Wang stated that judicial
authorities "resisted" responding to the Embassy's
inquiry about Gao because "they claim they are
independent" and "think we should be tough on foreign
intervention." Wang said Gao was convicted of inciting
state subversion and sentenced to three years in prison
and one year's deprivation of political rights. Because
of Gao's "meritorious activities," Wang said, his
sentence was suspended for five years. Wang said Gao now
"resides in Beijing" but provided no further information
concerning Gao's condition.
2. (C) PolOff conveyed the United States government's
deep concern for Gao's well-being, noting reports that he
was severely tortured in the past and faces a risk to his
life. Wang had no direct response, but asked the USG not
to "believe rumors or take ungrounded actions." Wang
said he hoped the United States would not do anything
"harmful to the upcoming London G20 summit or Sino-U.S.
relations," though he did not directly link this
statement to Gao's case.
PICCUTA