Milliband’s Questioning Forces Yang To Mention Gao Zhisheng ‘s Name

The BBC ran this report yesterday – the usual exchange of human rights (un)pleasantries but at least Yang’s hand was forced and he had to say something about? Gao Zhisheng in a public forum..


The BBC report

The mystery surrounding the disappearance of Chinese rights lawyer Gao Zhisheng continues following comments from China’s foreign minister.
Yang Jiechi said the well-known lawyer had been sentenced after being charged with subverting state power.

But it was not immediately clear whether that referred to an old charge, or a new one brought against Mr Gao.
There has been growing international concern about the activist, who disappeared more than a year ago.
Mr Yang was speaking at a news conference in Beijing, held with British Foreign Secretary David Miliband, who is currently visiting China.

No clarification
Mr Yang said: “Gao Zhisheng has been sentenced on the charge of subverting state power.”
The Chinese foreign minister denied a suggestion that Mr Gao had been tortured, saying that his rights had been protected.

We are willing to have human rights dialogue with the UK and other countries on the basis of mutual respect and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs?
Yang Jiechi
Chinese Foreign Minister

Where is lawyer Gao Zhisheng?
He said he hoped foreigners would respect China’s judicial system.
“We are willing to have human rights dialogue with the UK and other countries on the basis of mutual respect and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs,” Mr Yang added.
Mr Miliband said that he had raised the lawyer’s case with the Chinese government.

Full report at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8569797.stm