Liu Xiaobo Sentenced for Subversion

The Trial of Liu Xiaobo

Understanding Liu Xiaobo’s Sentencing

On December 25, 2009, renowned Chinese human rights activist Liu Xiaobo was sentenced to 11 years in prison by a Beijing court for his alleged crime of "inciting subversion of state power." This heavy-handed judgment came amid Liu's call for greater democracy and human rights reforms in China. His advocacy had been a thorn in the side of the Chinese government for many years, particularly due to his role in creating the Charter 08, a manifesto demanding political change.

The Background of Liu Xiaobo

Liu Xiaobo was born on December 28, 1955, in Changchun, Jilin, China. He was an accomplished scholar, having obtained his Ph.D. in literature and served as a professor in various universities. Despite his academic success, Liu was deeply involved in pro-democracy activism since the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989, earning him both admiration and ire. His commitment to the cause of human rights ultimately led to his arrest in 2008, just before the launch of Charter 08.

The Global Response to the Sentencing

International Outcry

After Liu Xiaobo’s sentencing, there was a significant backlash from the international community. Numerous human rights groups, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, condemned the verdict as a clear violation of freedom of expression. Protests and calls for Liu’s release spread across the globe, highlighting the ongoing struggle for human rights in China.

Legacy of Liu Xiaobo

Liu Xiaobo’s uncompromising stance on human rights made him a symbol of resistance against the authoritarian regime in China. In 2010, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, a recognition that further enraged the Chinese government. Liu's health deteriorated during his imprisonment, and he ultimately passed away on July 13, 2017, but his legacy as a champion for free speech and democracy lives on.

Fun Fact

Liu Xiaobo’s Nobel Peace Prize

Despite being in prison, Liu Xiaobo received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2010, making him the first imprisoned laureate since Carl von Ossietzky in 1935.

Additional Resources

Recommended Reading on Liu Xiaobo

For those interested in delving deeper into the life and impact of Liu Xiaobo, consider reading “Liu Xiaobo: Charter 08 and the Future of China” and “The Nobel Prize: A History of the Nobel Peace Prize” for more context on his significant contributions and the political climate of China.