The family of a prominent former human rights lawyer in China is under increasing pressure from the authorities, who are forcing them to vacate their home.
A child studying in a pitch-dark room with the help of a flashlight. There is no electricity or gas.
Wang Quanzhang’s wife, Li Wenzhi
I never thought I would be living by candlelight in Beijing.
This is the home of Wang Quanzhang, a former human rights lawyer, and his family in Beijing. In an attempt to evict the family from their home, the electricity and gas were shut off and harassment continued.
Wang Quanzhang’s wife, Li Wenzhi
When I wanted to cook, the fire wouldn’t start.
Wang, who had been defending people who had been mistreated by the government, was taken into custody by the authorities in 2015 and sentenced to four years and six months in prison for overthrowing the state regime.
He was released from prison in 2020, but his license to practice law was revoked, and he now advises people who have cases against the local government and others from a legal perspective.
In addition…
How long do you plan on staying?”
The landlord, perhaps with the intention of the authorities, is forcing the tenants to leave. Mr. Wang on this situation.
Mr. Wang Quanzhang.
I have never seen anything like this before, and it is the most terrible situation. It is illegal to evict residents by cutting off their water and electricity.”
Last month, China tightened its control by placing another human rights lawyer under house arrest in conjunction with a visit to China by the German foreign minister, who is critical of China on human rights issues. Mr. Wang believes that the latest pressure may be part of this.
Mr. Wang Quanzhang.
The police must have gotten tired of managing human rights activists like us, so they decided to take a hard-line approach by using the landlord to evict us. I feel helpless about not being able to let my family live in peace because of my status as a human rights activist.
The Wang family has been unable to stay in their home due to harassment by the authorities. The position of human rights activists in China is becoming increasingly difficult.
