China dissident Chen Guangcheng 'in US embassy

[alp227]

Source: BBC

China dissident Chen Guangcheng is in the US embassy in Beijing following his dramatic escape from house arrest, fellow activist Hu Jia has told the BBC.

Mr Hu said Mr Chen -who is blind -had scaled a high wall and was driven hundreds of kilometres to Beijing.

The US state department has refused to comment on the claim.

Mr Chen escaped on Sunday, activists say, and has since released a video addressed to Prime Minister Wen Jiabao.

Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-17877005

[Left Coast2020]

1. This story is more important than you think.

I am amazed that no one else has taken an interest to this event. For me, I am following this very closely. First, this is a major embarrassment for the Chinese government--especially when Hillary is about to visit the country. I'm sure she will have a pleasent discussion with PM Jibao on Chen's circumstances. It puts the authoritarian policies of Beijing under the microscope once again. It remains in the news as long as Mr. Chen is in the U.S. Embassy. And that is a good thing. I don't know if there are any other teachers here that have worked in China, or spent any amount of time there, but I may be the only one. The second aspect is (in its own unique way) news of Mr. Chen's escape from house arrest filters out to the rest of the country--even through the governments news filter. It emboldens other pro-democracy activists. This is also good. But the bad news is his family. I'm assuming its in the Times piece, but the story I read is the government hires thugs to do the works of the police. They may subject his family to severe harrassment. And I have seen these "thugs" in another city too. More so in Beijing since its the center of government. But in Shenyang, these thugs tear down displays for schools if they are in a public place. They hassle people for no reason, and I have even witnessed 2 of them beat the snot out of a taxi driver/passenger in broad daylight. Then walk away. They are really nasty people. So I hope his family is not being threatened by these A-holes. Still, my hope is that Mr. Chen can be allowed to leave the country--as well as his family. I just want to add that 5 years ago, when I first went there to teach, never did I ever have the thought that I would take such an interest in the politics, and people of this country. It amazes me to this day. The people are wonderful. The government and thugs? Well, you get the idea. And as a side note, since he is being protected by the U.S. I hope they get him a cheeseburger from the Fat Burger that is next door to the Embassy.
Just as good as home


http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/world_now/2012/04/blind-chinese-activist-under-us-protection-group-says.html

[christx30]

2. Just not too much

Fat Burger. He's a good man, and the world needs him here.

I've been following the story too. He sounds like an insanely smart, good person. And as far as I am concerned, anything that gets under the skin of the Chinese government is a good thing. it shows the world that they are not all powerful. There are things that they cannot do. This blind man escaped their grasp. With any luck, he'll be able to escape that country and get somewhere that they cannot touch him, and he will speak out against them.

[Left Coast2020]

3. I was referring to the burger restaurant

I've been to the embassy in Beijing and there is a Fat Burger next door. I think mainly an L.A. eatery, but its there. But yes, its also amazing because he is blind. A very smart and determined individual.

[Eugene]

4. Chen Guangcheng's escape sparks China round-up

Source: BBC

29 April 2012 Last updated at 13:42 GMT

Chen Guangcheng's escape sparks China round-up

Chinese authorities have begun to round up relatives and associates of blind activist Chen Guangcheng, who fled from house arrest last week, reports say.

Several people involved in Mr Chen's escape have been detained or have disappeared in recent days, and fellow activist Hu Jia was questioned.

Mr Chen is believed to be sheltering at the US embassy in Beijing.

The US and international rights groups have frequently expressed alarm at the treatment of Mr Chen and his family.

[font size=1]-snip-[/font]

Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-17885372

[flamingdem]

5. He's blind and scale a wall?

Good grief, sounds terrifying. Interesting developments.

[Uncle Joe]

6. Kicked and recommended.

Thanks for the thread, alp.