Liu Xiaobo's 2017 Medical Parole and Death

Chinese Human Rights Defenders, citing lawyer Shang Baojun, recorded that Liu Xiaobo was diagnosed with liver cancer on May 23, 2017. News of his medical parole for advanced liver cancer and transfer to Shenyang became public on June 26; the organization noted that the authorities had not disclosed when the parole decision was issued. Although he had left prison to receive medical care, Liu remained under sentence and official supervision during his treatment. [6][1]

As his condition deteriorated, Liu and his wife, Liu Xia, sought permission for him to travel abroad for medical treatment. German and American specialists consulted on his care in Shenyang on July 8, 2017. In a subsequent joint statement, they said he could then be transported safely with appropriate medical evacuation care and support, but that the transfer should occur as quickly as possible. Liu was ultimately not permitted to leave China for treatment abroad. [5][2][3]

On July 13, 2017, Liu died of liver cancer in Shenyang at the age of 61. Seventeen days elapsed between the public announcement of his medical parole and his death; his continued supervision while gravely ill and his inability to travel abroad for treatment raised concerns regarding freedom of movement.[4][3]