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The World Movement for Democracy ‘s Democracy Alert features a report from Chinese Human Rights Defenders (CHRD), that the communist authorities have placed several Beijing-based human rights lawyers and activists under house arrest. CHRD believes that the house arrests are meant to prevent activists meeting a US Congressional delegation currently visiting China. Those arrested include Li Baiguang, Jiang Tianyong, Teng Biao, Li Heping, Li Xiongbing, Li Fangping, Fan Yafeng, Zhang Xingshui, and Liu Xiaobo.
Li Baiguang, Teng Biao, and Li Heping were among the recipients of the 2008 Democracy Award given by the National Endowment for Democracy for their efforts to advance democratic values and fundamental rights within China. In June, Li Baiguang and Li Heping travelled to the US to receive the award and met with President Bush. Upon their return, they were questioned by police. Teng Biao was unable to attend the ceremony because police confiscated his passport.
The Defending Civil Society report (also available in Chinese), produced by the World Movement for Democracy and the International Centre for Not-for-Profit Law, addresses the restrictive legal frameworks in which democracy and human rights activists operate.
