Liu Xiaobo's 2008–2009 Detention and Arrest

Shortly before the public release of Charter 08, Liu Xiaobo was taken into custody by police in Beijing.[1][3][5]

The court judgment dated December 25, 2009, recorded that Liu Xiaobo was placed under “residential surveillance” on December 9, 2008. His place of detention during this period was not publicly disclosed.

The Congressional-Executive Commission on China noted that Liu had a fixed residence in Beijing but was not held at home, and questioned whether this arrangement complied with criminal procedure in force at the time.[1][4][5]

Chinese Human Rights Defenders reported that the authorities arranged a meeting between Liu Xiaobo and his wife, Liu Xia. It was one of two meetings with his wife that he was permitted during this period.[3]

Chinese Human Rights Defenders reported that Liu Xiaobo was again permitted to meet his wife, Liu Xia. This was the second of the two meetings documented by the organization during this period.[3]

Beijing public security authorities formally arrested Liu Xiaobo on suspicion of “inciting subversion of state power.” The Congressional-Executive Commission on China reported that the preceding residential surveillance had exceeded the six-month limit then in force.

This record uses formal arrest as the end of this detention phase; it does not indicate that Liu was released.[2][3][4][5]

Chinese Human Rights Defenders reported that day that personnel from the Beijing Public Security Bureau’s National Security Unit delivered a formal arrest notice dated June 23 to Liu Xia.

June 23 is the arrest date recorded in the notice; June 24 is the delivery date reported by the organization. These dates should be distinguished.[3]