Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Call to release jailed press

Tuesday 23 June 1998 23:02 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

PRESIDENT Bill Clinton has been urged to press for the release of journalists imprisoned in China during his visit in an open letter from the French-based organisation Reporters sans Frontieres (RsF).

RsF, which campaigns for press freedom, called on Mr Clinton to use his influence during talks with Chinese officials and with President Jiang Zemin, to secure the release of at least 12 journalists jailed in China "simply because they did their work honestly, or expressed opinions peacefully".

The appeal draws his attention in particular to the case of Gao Yu, who was arrested on 2 October 1993 and who is serving a six-year prison sentence for having revealed "state secrets to people outside China", the appeal said.

RsF said it had information that she has life-threatening heart problems and that the only drugs she was allowed were those brought by relatives on monthly visits.

The organisation calls on President Clinton to do everything in his power to persuade the Chinese authorities, as they have undertaken to do, to sign and ratify the UN Declaration on Human Rights, Article 19, which states that: "Everyone shall have the right to hold opinions without interference."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in