Japan Press Weekly

Tweet

2017 July 12 - 18 TOP3 [WORLD]

Argument and counterargument: Akahata foreign editor on death of Liu Xiaobo

Chinese writer and democracy activist Liu Xiaobo, the 2010 Nobel peace prize winner, died on July 13. Akahata Foreign Editor Sugawawa Hiraku on July 15 published a bylined statement on Liu’s death as follows:

Liu Xiaobo, who had continued his non-violent fight with the power of the pen and voice calling for democracy in China, died.

Liu was imprisoned due to his criticism of the Chinese government. After spending a long time in jail, he fell seriously ill. After being diagnosed with terminal cancer, he was released on parole and received medical treatment. However, his family was under surveillance and visits by friends and acquaintances were restricted. Overseas treatment as Liu himself and his family desired was not allowed.

The Nobel peace laureate, whose activity for human rights was globally applauded, was left to die de facto “in custody” while being deprived of his freedom. Whatever the reasons for explaining this fact, this is extremely abnormal.

Countries and human rights organizations have been severely criticizing China’s position as constituting a grave international issue.

The Japanese Communist Party at every chance tells China that the development into a political system which allows criticism of the government and then responds with counterarguments to such criticism is important. In regard to the repression against Liu, JCP Chair Shii Kazuo said at the 2010 Akahata Festival that he strongly hopes that China will accept and abide by the present international accomplishments such as the International Covenants on Human Rights and “will take actions to earn the international community’s understanding and trust”.

Past related article:
> Chinese government should adopt stance reflecting point reached in international recognition of human rights: JCP
[December 11, 2010]