Here’s their introduction – the letter follows below…
Dear Friends,
The Chinese Human Rights Lawyers Concern Group (CHRLCG) obtained a letter written by Lawyer Mr. Wang Quanzhang (???/ ???) to his parents, originally written in China. We have it translated into English for your attention. Mr. Wang is one of the lawyers being criminally detained by the police during the recent crackdown on the rights lawyers by the Chinese authorities.
The letter came to CHRLCG’s attention on 14 July 2015 and we have tried to check its authenticity over the past couple of days. It was confirmed this morning that the letter was sent by Mr. Wang to a few of his close friends on 12 July, the same day we learnt of his being held custody by the police via an article released by the Public Security Ministry http://news.xinhuanet.com/legal/2015-07/11/c_128010247.htm
Mr. Wang, 39, originally from Shandong province, is a lawyer of the Beijing Fengrui Law Firm. Mr. Wang has been a leading activist advocating for the reform of the Chinese detainment system. He has represented litigation cases including that on freedom of speech, religious rights and civil rights activists. He has also been beaten up by the authorities for multiple times while representing the cases.
China Human Rights Lawyers Concern Group
Website: http://www.chrlawyers.hk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chrlcg
Twitter: https://twitter.com/chrlcg/
Beijing Lawyer Wang Quanzhang’s Letter to his Parents
(Please release this after I lost my freedom)
Dear Father and Mother,
I bow my head before the two of you, I, an unfilial son.
Not only did I fail to provide comfort and peace for you in your old age, not only could I not support a comprehensive Chinese medical treatment plan for Mother; worse yet I brought you to Beijing, and with it catastrophe upon you.
Perhaps you have heard by now our predicament, especially that of mine, through official media.
However hideous or comical a picture the manipulated media has painted of us, Father, Mother, please keep faith in your son, and please trust his friends.
I have never faltered on the values of honesty, kindness and righteousness that you taught me. I have lived my life upholding them over the years. Although at times I am deep in darkness and despair, I have not given up the aspirations for a bright future.
Taking the path of defending human rights was not on the spur of the moment. It is there embedded in my nature; from an innate calling that has accumulated over time, much like vines of the Ivy slowly climbing towards light.
The road is bound to be steep and rugged, covered in thorns.
When I recall the hardship we have gone through in the past, this could be nothing.
Dear Father and Mother, please be proud of me, and regardless of my dreadful circumstances, please strive hard to live on till dawn breaks the darkness.
Your son, bowing down again.
12 July, 2015
Chinese version of the Letter follows
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2015?7?12?
