Chen Guangcheng Blind Chinese Civil Rights Activist Date of Birth: 12.11.1971 Country: China

1. Birth and Early Life
2. Education and Legal Advocacy
3. International Recognition
4. Harassment and Imprisonment
5. Sentence and Release
6. Continued Repression
7. Escape and Asylum
8. Negotiations and Resolution

Birth and Early Life

Chen Guangcheng was born in Dongshigu, Shandong Province, China, in a village about 125 miles from Jinan. At a young age, he contracted a severe fever that left him completely blind. He remained illiterate until 1994 when he enrolled in the Qingdao High School for the Blind.

Education and Legal Advocacy

After graduating in 1998, Chen developed an interest in law, often asking his brothers to read legal literature to him. From 1998 to 2001, he attended Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, specializing in acupuncture and massage.

Upon his return to his hometown, Chen became a massage therapist at a hospital in Yinan County. He continued to pursue his interest in law, attending legal workshops and offering legal advice to fellow villagers.

In 1994, Chen wrote his first petition to the authorities on behalf of his family, who had been unfairly taxed despite his disability. The petition was successful, inspiring him to help other disabled villagers. He drafted petitions and encouraged them to fight for their rights.

International Recognition

Chen gained international attention in 2005 when he exposed forced sterilizations and abortions by local family planning officials. In June 2005, he traveled to Beijing to file a complaint, sparking a media outcry and international investigations. Several officials were eventually held accountable.

Harassment and Imprisonment

Chinese authorities condemned Chen's actions, accusing him of supporting anti-Chinese forces. Local officials tried to silence him, but he refused to stop his advocacy, resulting in his house arrest in September 2005.

In October, Chen attempted to flee to supporters in Beijing but was captured, beaten, and returned. In March 2006, he was transferred to prison and was scheduled for trial on July 17 on charges of property damage and obstructing traffic.

The trial was abruptly held on August 18, without Chen or his lawyers being given proper notice. All three of Chen's lawyers were arrested the day before, and only one, appointed by the court, was allowed to represent him.

Sentence and Release

On August 24, 2006, Chen was sentenced to 4 years and 3 months in prison. His appeals were denied, and a local court upheld the sentence. He was released in 2010 but was immediately placed under house arrest.

Continued Repression

Chen and his wife faced severe harassment for communicating with the outside world. The authorities cut their electricity, confiscated their documents and communication devices, and covered their windows with steel plates. Even Chen's 6-year-old daughter's toys were confiscated.

In 2011, The New York Times reported that supporters trying to visit Chen were attacked, beaten, and robbed. Politicians, journalists, diplomats, and celebrities, including Hillary Clinton and Christian Bale, spoke out in support of Chen.

Escape and Asylum

On April 22, 2012, Chen escaped from his house arrest by climbing a wall and evading the guards in the darkness. After crossing into Beijing, he sought refuge in the American embassy on April 27.

Negotiations and Resolution

The Chinese government and US officials reached an agreement for Chen to be released and to pursue legal studies in China. On May 2, 2012, Chen was transported to a Beijing hospital, where it was confirmed that he had been in the US embassy.