CNHRA EVENT RECORD · CNHRA-E-570811
Chen Wei: Political Essays and Nine-Year Sentence in 2011
Date
2011-02-20
Location
Suining, Sichuan
Event Type
Sentencing
Human Rights Issues
Freedom of Expression · Right to Liberty and Security · Right to a Fair Trial
Record ID
CNHRA-E-570811
Summary
The submission records questioning and a home search on February 20, 2011, a detention notice the next day and formal arrest on March 28. Suining’s intermediate court imposed nine years and two years’ deprivation of political rights on December 23.[1]
Description
The submission records questioning and a home search on February 20, 2011, a detention notice the next day and formal arrest on March 28. Suining’s intermediate court imposed nine years and two years’ deprivation of political rights on December 23.[1]
China’s reply defends the proceedings and defense participation and invokes prior conviction and recidivism. The submission describes the essays as peaceful expression and alleges restrictions on counsel and a final statement.[1]
WGAD adopted Opinion 7/2012 on May 2, 2012, finding category II arbitrary detention and calling for release and compensation. It was distributed on July 13.[1]
Developments
Custody after summons, according to the submission
The submission in the WGAD opinion describes questioning by Suining security officers, a home search, confiscation of a computer and confinement, with a detention notice issued the next day.[1]
Formal arrest recorded in the submission
The submission dates formal arrest for inciting subversion to March 28, more than a month after initial custody. It also reports restricted family contact and few lawyer meetings, making access to defense a continuing concern across procedural stages.[1]
Sentenced to nine years
Suining’s intermediate court imposed nine years and two years’ deprivation of political rights, with four essays from 2009–2011 cited. Government assurances of lawful defense conflict with allegations of restricted access and self-defense.[1]
Working Group adopts arbitrary-detention opinion
WGAD adopted Opinion 7/2012 finding category II arbitrary detention for peaceful expression and calling for release and enforceable compensation.[1]
Related People
Organizations
No organizations have been added.
Documents
No documents have been added to this record yet.
Sources
- [1]
CNHRA-S-840291UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention
Evidence location: Background, four essays, nine-year sentence on December 23, 2011 and Working Group conclusions.