Doubts Remain over Gao Zhisheng’s Freedom

Friends, family, and the international community sighed a breath of relief when Chinese human rights lawyer Gao Zhisheng made contact with the public on Sunday, March 28th. Gao says he’s now free after he went missing for more than a year when Chinese security agents took him from his home.

Chairman of Hong Kong’s Democratic Party Albert Ho believes recent international pressure on the Chinese regime to account for Gao’s disappearance prompted Gao’s apparent claim of freedom. But Ho believes Gao is still under threat. Ho’s two assistants spoke with Gao.

[Albert Ho, Chairman of Hong Kong Democratic Party]:
„We felt that he was not freely expressing himself, and believe he was being watched. He may even be speaking under great threat. Their goal is just to tell you that Gao is still alive.“

This suspicion is shared by many who’ve spoken with Gao. Beijing-based human rights lawyer Li Heping told Radio Free Asia that Gao was eager to get off the phone.

[Li Heping, Beijing Human Rights Lawyer]:
„When I spoke with him on the phone, I clearly felt he wasn’t free. We only spoke for two to three minutes, and then he sighed and said, ‘I’ll call you later when it’s convenient, now I have some friends around and some things to take care of.‘ And he wanted to hang up. It’s clear that someone was hinting to him not to speak any more.“

Albert Ho says the Chinese regime must give a clear explanation for why Gao is still not free.

[Albert Ho, Chairman of Hong Kong Democratic Party]:
„He has no freedom to move around, no freedom to work, and he cannot contact the outside to express himself freely. Regarding the freedom that’s been taken away from him, I believe the Chinese government has the responsibility to give an explanation.“

Gao previously published an account of the severe torture he endured when he was captured by Chinese authorities in 2007. For now, concerns for Gao’s safety remain.

Foto: NTDTV