CNHRA EVENT RECORD · CNHRA-E-727298
Li Wenzu: Search for Her Husband, Walking Protest and Family Remedies
Date
2017-07-07
Location
Beijing and Tianjin, China
Event Type
Protest · Harassment · Travel Restriction
Human Rights Issues
Freedom of Expression · Freedom of Movement · Right to Liberty and Security
Record ID
CNHRA-E-727298
Summary
Description
Li repeatedly sought access to Wang, opposed lawyers appointed without family consent and submitted materials to courts and authorities. Her walk beginning April 4, 2018, was intercepted. HRIC’s archive lists her administrative reconsideration request and attempts to obtain a visit at a Tianjin detention center.[1][2]
In April 2020, Wang did not return home immediately after leaving prison, and Li continued reporting his circumstances. Her letter published in May confirmed family reunion and called for surveillance to end.[4][3]
The Edelstam Foundation’s laureate profile describes Li and Wang Qiaoling building a mutual-support network among 709 families, visiting affected households, offering assistance and pursuing complaints. On July 7, 2017, they used a red bucket protest outside the Supreme People’s Procuratorate to demand access to counsel and information about the cases.[5]
The UN’s 2024 report records the family’s later circumstances, including reported forced moves, difficulties staying in hotels and disrupted schooling from April 2023.[6]
Developments
Participates in red bucket protest
Family members protested outside the Supreme People’s Procuratorate for access and case information.[5]
Second statement opposing imposed counsel
Li issued a second statement opposing imposed counsel and seeking access for the lawyers retained by Wang’s family.[2]
Begins march seeking husband
HRW reports departure from Beijing with Tianjin as the intended destination.[1]
Home blockaded after return to Beijing
HRW’s April 12 account describes Li and her young son briefly prevented from leaving home the previous day and visitors being obstructed.[1]
Seeks administrative reconsideration
She applied to Beijing’s Shijingshan district government for a finding that restrictions on her personal liberty were unlawful.[2]
Accompanies lawyers to Tianjin detention center
Li accompanied lawyers to a Tianjin detention center to seek a meeting with Wang Quanzhang; access was refused.[2]
Reports husband’s departure from prison without reunion
CSW cites Li’s account that Wang was taken to Jinan after leaving prison rather than returning directly to the family in Beijing.[4]
Organization reports family reunion
Amnesty Luxembourg published Li Wenzu’s letter confirming Wang had returned home and called for an end to surveillance. May 5 is the publication date, not an asserted reunion date.[3]
Repeated displacement affects family life
The Secretary-General’s 2024 report recounts repeated displacement of Li and Wang Quanzhang from April 2023, interference with hotel accommodation and disruption to their child’s enrollment and attendance at school.[6]
Follow-up report on family circumstances
HRW documents continuing displacement and school changes.[7]
Related People
Organizations
No organizations have been added.
Documents
Sources
- [1]
CNHRA-S-360052Human Rights Watch
Evidence location: Paragraph beginning On April 4 and concluding paragraphs on Li Wenzu’s march, return and restrictions at home.
- [2]
CNHRA-S-233841Human Rights in China
Evidence location: Directory excerpts dated 25 July 2017 and 13, 19–20 April 2018; linked articles not retrieved.
- [3]
CNHRA-S-614250Amnesty International Luxembourg
Evidence location: Body paragraphs 1–4: Li Wenzu’s letter confirming reunion and the call to end surveillance.
- [4]
Evidence location: Opening paragraphs and account attributed to Li Wenzu of release and quarantine transfer.
- [5]
CNHRA-S-480445Harald Edelstam Foundation
Evidence location: Family support network and July 7, 2017 red bucket protest.
- [6]
CNHRA-S-271786United Nations
Evidence location: Annex II, paragraphs 60–63 and 69–70, printed pages 46–49; reported restrictions and government replies.
- [7]
CNHRA-S-531283Human Rights Watch
Evidence location: Repression section, paragraph on displacement of Wang Quanzhang’s family and repeated school changes.