Hoge Vertegenwoordiger Ashton over straf voor Chinese mensenrechtenactivist Gao Zhiseng (en)

The spokesperson of Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission, issued the following statement today:

The High Representative is deeply concerned at the news that Chinese human rights lawyer Gao Zhiseng, who has been missing for 20 months, has been sentenced again to 3 years in prison. The High Representative calls for his immediate release and for information about his well-being and location.

The High Representative has repeatedly called on the Chinese government, at the highest level, to reveal the whereabouts of Mr Gao, to give Mr Gao access to a lawyer and to allow Mr Gao to maintain contact with his family.