In November 2024, The Rights Practice, along with Law Society of England and Wales (‘the Law Society’), Lawyers’ Rights Watch Canada, Asian Lawyers Network, Lawyers for Lawyers, International Bar Association Human Rights Institute, 29 Principles, and the Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE) signed a joint statement expressing grave concerns about human rights lawyer and legal scholar, Dr Xu Zhiyong who is currently on hunger strike in Lunan prison, Shandong province in China.

Mr Xu started his hunger strike on 4 October 2024 to call attention to the inhumane treatment he is being subjected to in prison. Our organisations have been informed that Mr Xu is held in a cell with three other detainees who have been instructed by prison guards to monitor and torment him, even when he is using the toilet. In the prison, he is only referred to as “prisoner No. 003”, rather than his real name. 

In light of the ill-treatment previously experienced by Mr Xu and its impact on his health, our organisations are especially concerned about the risk to his health and life during his hunger strike. We have been informed that since Mr Xu began his hunger strike one month ago, he has lost over five kilos.

We urge the authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Xu Zhiyong from detention and drop the charges against him related to his legitimate professional duties, as well as to immediately provide appropriate medical attention during and related to his hunger strike.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL STATEMENT