According to Asian One News and the Chinese Human Rights Defenders (CHRD), in the last week the government of China has been taking more severe actions against activists as anonymous calls for “Jasmine Revolution” protests have emerged throughout the country. In only a week’s time, as many as 100 activists have been subjected to interrogation, house arrest, or have disappeared. Internet users have been targeted and detained for posting information about potential protests. At least five activists have been detained on charges of endangering state security, subverting state power, and inciting subversion of state power. CHRD calls on the government of China to immediately release all individuals who have been arbitrarily detained in relation to the “Jasmine Revolution” protests.

 

In its “Defending Civil Society” report, the World Movement for Democracy articulates six principles that govern and protect Civil Society from repressive intrusions on the part of governments. The third principle addresses freedom of expression and states that “Stemming from the well-recognized protection of individuals to freedom of assembly, NGO representatives have the right to plan and/or engage in the advocacy of legal aims, including human rights and fundamental freedoms.” The fourth principle states that “Civil society representatives, individually and through their organizations, have the right to communicate and seek cooperation with other elements of civil society, the business community, international organizations and governments, both within and outside their home countries.”

 

For more information from Asian One News, go to: http://news.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Asia/Story/A1Story20110225-265361.html

 

For more information from CHRD, go to: http://chrdnet.org/2011/02/25/a-quiet-crackdown-yet-likely-the-harshest-in-recent-years