Detained Chinese human rights lawyer who is due to receive ABA award issues 'confession'
Wang Yu.
A jailed Chinese human rights lawyer who is due to receive the ABA’s first International Human Rights Award in absentia has reportedly been released on bail after delivering a videotaped “confession.”
In the video released by Chinese media, Wang Yu said “foreign forces” were using her law firm, Fengrui, to discredit the Chinese government, report the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal (sub. req.) and the Associated Press.
She also spoke out against foreign awards. The Washington Post and AP quote Wang as saying she won’t accept an award, but they differ on whether she is speaking about a European human rights award or the ABA award.
“Regarding this award, my attitude is to not recognize it, identify with it or accept it. This award is just another way for them to use me to attack and smear the Chinese government,” Wang said. “I am a Chinese. I can only accept awards from the Chinese government.”
Wang Yu has been detained for more than a year. The head of Wang’s law firm and three other activists are being tried Tuesday, according to the Oriental Daily, one of publications reporting on Wang’s confession.
Family members issued this statement: “We strongly suspect Wang Yu made these statements to the media under pressure and threat.”
Related articles:
ABAJournal.com: “Detained Chinese lawyer to receive inaugural ABA International Human Rights Award”
ABA Journal: “China’s latest crackdown on lawyers is unprecedented, human rights monitors say”
