Comment by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid
Ra’ad Al Hussein on the death of Liu Xiaobo
GENEVA (13 July 2017) - I would like to express my deep
sorrow at the news that China’s iconic peace and democracy figure Liu Xiaobo
has died at the age of 61. I send my heartfelt condolences and deepest respects
to his wife, Liu Xia, his family and friends, and hope that they will be able
to grieve and honour him in accordance with their wishes.
The human rights movement in China and across the world
has lost a principled champion who devoted his life to defending and promoting
human rights, peacefully and consistently, and who was jailed for standing up
for his beliefs.
Liu Xiaobo and Liu Xia were a courageous couple and
absolutely devoted to one another. I urge the Chinese authorities to guarantee
Liu Xia’s freedom of movement, and allow her to travel abroad should she wish
so.
Liu Xiaobo was the true embodiment of the democratic,
non-violent ideals he so ardently advocated. Despite the imprisonment and
separation from the wife he adored that could have fuelled anger and
bitterness, Liu Xiaobo declared that he had no hatred for those who pursued and
prosecuted him.
Liu Xiaobo was the definition of civic courage and human
dignity – a poet and intellectual who wanted, and strove for, a better future
for his country. A man who, despite all he suffered, continued to espouse the
politics of peace. He was and will continue to be an inspiration and an example
for all human rights defenders.
ENDS
For more information and media requests, Liz Throssell
(+41 22 917 9466 / ethrossell@ohchr.org)
Tag and share -
Twitter: @UNHumanRights and
Facebook:
unitednationshumanrights
Udruženje novinara Roma
Nema komentara:
Objavi komentar