The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) demands the immediate and unconditional release of dissident writer Du Daobin after his detention by China’s security bureau in Yingcheng, Hubei province.

Du, 43, a dissident writer and former editor of Human Rights Poetry, was sentenced in 2004 to three years’ jail for “inciting subversion of state power” for publishing 26 articles in 2004 that were critical of the Government. The sentence was suspended to four years’ probation with two years’ deprivation of political rights.

The IFJ has learnt that Du, a member of the Independent Chinese PEN Center’s Writers in Prison Committee, was detained by police in Hubei on July 21 for allegedly publishing dozens of articles under a pseudonym during his probation.

The charge of “inciting subversion of state power” has frequently been levelled at writers and journalists who publish articles critical of any aspect of Chinese government policy.

Zhao Dagong, a member of the Writers in Prison Committee, told the IFJ he believed Du was detained for allegedly writing several articles recently that were critical of the Central Government’s attitude to human rights and freedom of expression as the Olympic Games approach.

“Not only Du but a number of writers, including I myself, were warned by the security bureau recently. They ordered us not to criticise the Olympic Games or the human rights situation in China,” Zhao said.

Du’s computer and several items were also taken from his house by security officials.

“The IFJ continues to be shocked by the clampdown on dissent within China in the lead-up to the Olympic Games in August,” IFJ Asia-Pacific said.

“China must demonstrate its bona fides and ensure the freedom it promised when it was granted the Olympics.”

For further information contact IFJ Asia-Pacific on +612 9333 0919

The IFJ represents over 600,000 in 122 countries worldwide