Chen Guangcheng Expected Nominee for Nobel Peace Prize

Blind Chinese human rights activist and lawyer, Chen Guangcheng, from Shandong Province, who has suffered years of imprisonment and persecution for defending the rights of farmers and blind people, and for his outspoken position against China’s brutal one-child policy, is growing in prominence. 

Chen, together with his wife and young daughter, are currently being held under house arrest by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) authorities. “Batman” star, Christian Bale, has recently tried to visit Chen. 

An appeal has now been started to support Chen to compete for the Nobel Peace Prize.

The National Committee of the Democracy Party of China recently called for global support. They want to support Chen Guangcheng’s running for the  Nobel Peace Prize. The movement, which started on January 10, aims to raise global attention to Chen’s plight. It is hoped that this might pressure the CCP into giving Chen back his freedom. 

US-based Chinese pro-democracy activist, Li Hongkuan, also from Shandong Province, is founder of e-magazine "Big Reference". He says he is proud of Chen’s actions.

Li Hongkuan said: "Chen has advanced the progression of China’s human rights under very difficult circumstances, at a time when even the general public dare not to do anything. Even though Chen Guangcheng faces hardships himself, his spirit of helping others has touched many people. China’s netizens launched a campaign to visit Chen, gaining positive responses from thousands around the country. However, no visitors were able to see Chen, having been violently chased away and beaten by local authorities. This includes Christian Bale, famous "Batman" Hollywood star, who was blocked and shoved during his attempted visit. 

The CCP’s forthcoming 18th Congress later in 2012 has heightened sensitivity in order to try to maintain stability in the country. It has, however, seen a worsening of human rights abuses.

Will the move to support Chen Guangcheng as a Nobel Peace Prize nominee produce a positive effect? Whatever the outcome, it is becoming a focus of sustained attention in the international community.

Source from www.ntdtv.com