Hong Kong Diocese urges release of human rights activist

(April 13, 2010) The Hong Kong Diocese's Justice and Peace Commission is urging China to release human rights activist Hu Jia, who is suffering from chronic cirrhosis that his wife fears might turn into liver cancer.
The Justice and Peace Commission on Monday launched the signature campaign among parishes and Catholic organizations. It petitions Beijing to allow 36-year-old Hu Jia, to return home to receive proper medical treatment. Hu was detained in December 2007 for "inciting subversion of state power." As China prepared for the 2008 Olympic Games, Hu published articles on the Internet, regarding environmental contamination, human rights violations, and especially about the persecution of people with HIV/AIDS.
The commission, an advisory body on social issues to the diocesan bishop, also asked Beijing to send Hu's family a detailed medical report on his health, to allow him sufficient time to rest, and to relieve him of duties involving physical labor. Hu is serving a 3 to 5 year term. Shortly after sentencing, he was awarded the European Parliament's Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought.