Pelosi Statement on the Sentencing of Chinese Democracy Activist Liu Xianbin

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement in response to reports that Chinese authorities sentenced democracy activist Liu Xianbin to ten years in prison for writing articles critical of the Chinese government. Mr. Liu had previously been imprisoned for his role in the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests and for his efforts to promote democracy in China. Mr. Liu is a public signatory of “Charter 08.”

Last year, Leader Pelosi attended the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in Oslo for another imprisoned Chinese, Liu Xiaobo, who co-authored “Charter 08”:

“The decision to sentence Liu Xianbin to ten years in prison demonstrates a fundamental disregard for the rule of law and human rights in China. The harsh sentence for ‘inciting subversion of state power’ is based on Mr. Liu’s writings that advocate for democracy and human rights, for which he is protected under the Chinese constitution.

“The Chinese government should immediately and unconditionally release Liu Xianbin from prison, and heed the calls of the Chinese people for government transparency, an end to corruption, and respect for free expression in China.”