Federal Minister Steinmeier on the arrest of Chinese civil rights campaigner Liu Xiaobo

In connection with the arrest and planned indictment of Chinese civil rights campaigner Liu Xiaobo, Federal Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier issued today (25 June) in Berlin the following statement:

“I am very concerned about the arrest of the well-known Chinese civil rights campaigner Liu Xiaobo and the plans to put him on trial.

I appeal to the Chinese Government to continue pursuing the path of reform and liberalization and to ensure that human rights are respected. The expression of critical views and legal representation of citizens' concerns and interests are activities fundamental to the rule of law and democracy.”