The United States is calling on China to release jailed Nobel Peace Laureate Liu Xiaobo, five years after the scholar and human rights activist was placed in detention.
Secretary of State John Kerry on Monday said Washington remains deeply concerned about Liu and his wife, Liu Xia, who has been confined to her home. He said China should guarantee to the couple and their family members all internationally recognized human rights protections and freedoms.
Kerry said that as the United States builds a constructive relationship with China, U.S. leaders will continue to raise with China concerns related to respect for rule of law, human rights, religious freedom, and democratic principles.
Liu Xiaobo was detained December 8, 2008 for writing an appeal for democracy. He was convicted of subversion in 2009 and sentenced to 11 years in prison. He was awarded the Nobel Prize a year later, but was not allowed to travel to Norway to collect the prize.
Secretary of State John Kerry on Monday said Washington remains deeply concerned about Liu and his wife, Liu Xia, who has been confined to her home. He said China should guarantee to the couple and their family members all internationally recognized human rights protections and freedoms.
Kerry said that as the United States builds a constructive relationship with China, U.S. leaders will continue to raise with China concerns related to respect for rule of law, human rights, religious freedom, and democratic principles.
Liu Xiaobo was detained December 8, 2008 for writing an appeal for democracy. He was convicted of subversion in 2009 and sentenced to 11 years in prison. He was awarded the Nobel Prize a year later, but was not allowed to travel to Norway to collect the prize.