Press Release
Hearing on Liu Xiaobo set for July 14Liu Xiaobo Topic of House HearingRep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Chairman of the House panel on global human rights, will be holding a hearing, entitled “The Tragic Case of Liu Xiaobo,” to examine the works of the great Chinese human rights leader, Liu Xiaobo, and bring light to his current plight. Last month, Liu’s cancer diagnosis was made public, however the Chinese government has refused to allow Liu to travel and seek care outside the country. “The world owes Nobel Laureate Liu Xiaobo a debt of gratitude because he demonstrates, in his life and writings, that the ideas of democracy and due process, liberty and the rule of law, are not foreign to China, despite the many protestations of the Chinese Communist Party,” said Smith. “Countless others have followed his courageous example and peacefully demanded universally-recognized human rights, despite sometimes brutal repression. Liu Xiaobo now suffers from late-stage liver cancer, the Chinese government has refused requests to allow him to seek treatment options. This hearing will examine Liu Xiaobo’s current health and detention situation, the situation of his wife Liu Xia and assess what more can be done by the international community to assist this champion of democracy and human rights.” On June 29, the Smith authored H. Con Res. 67 passed the House of Representatives. The resolution calls on the People’s Republic of China to unconditionally release Liu Xiaobo and, with his wife Liu Xia, allow them to freely meet with family and seek medical treatment overseas if necessary. Who: Chairman Smith (NJ-04), Senior Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations; other members of the Committee Witness: Perry Link, Ph.D. Mr. Jared Genser What: House hearing on Liu Xiaobo When: Friday, July 14, 2017 10:00 AM Where: Rayburn House Office Building, Room 2172 (first floor) ### |