CNHRA PERSON RECORD · CNHRA-P-406132
Chen Wei
Born
Unknown
Occupation
Unknown
Role
Dissident · Political Activist
Record ID
CNHRA-P-406132
Biography
Chen Wei is a democracy and human rights activist from Suining, Sichuan, engaged in political writing and civic activity.[1]
Chen participated in the 1989 movement and signed Charter 08. The submission reproduced in the WGAD opinion recounts further imprisonment over June Fourth commemoration and organizing, followed by rights activity in Sichuan with Liu Xianbin and others.[1]
The opinion identifies four essays from 2009–2011 on institutional failings, constitutional democracy, civic opposition, rights activism and a Human Rights Day hunger strike.[1]
Case 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]
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]
Timeline
2011-02-20
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]
2011-03-28
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]
2011-12-23
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]
2012-05-02
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 Events
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.