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Chinese Human Rights lawyer Gao Zhisheng is believed to be living in Western China after widespread reports early last month indicated that he disappeared while in government custody. The news about Gao was given to the Dui Hua Foundation, a human rights organization that campaigns on behalf of detained Chinese prisoners. Founder John Kamm received emails from the Chinese Embassy in Washington D.C. with the new information.
In an interview with the BBC Kamm said, “They told me that Gao Zhisheng is alive and working in Urumqi, and there has been contact with his family.” Gao’s wife and children, now living in the United States, say that Gao has not contacted his family. The BBC tried to reach Gao’s brother in Shaanxi province but the telephone line is listed as now out of service. The Chinese embassy would not disclose further details or given a full account of what has happened to him. Gao is well known throughout the world for defending disadvantaged Chinese against governmental human rights abuses. As a result of his activities, he faced increasing punishment from the Chinese government, including his detainment last February.
