“I am concerned by reports that Chinese civil rights activist Xu Zhiyong has been arrested. I call on the Chinese authorities to release him and guarantee proceedings in accordance with the rule of law.

The possible arrest of Xu Zhiyong would be a continuance of Chinese authorities’ actions against activists who protest publicly against the abuse of power and corruption. Seeing as the declared goal of China’s new leaders is to step up the fight against corruption, I cannot understand this. I therefore call on the authorities to release everyone arrested in this context.

China’s constitution guarantees its citizens human rights and the freedom of demonstration. I call on China’s leaders both to strengthen political liberties and the rule of law and to not disappoint the expectations of willingness to reform. This includes progress in respect for human rights.”