2015-01-07
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Tang Jingling, a top human rights lawyer in Guangzhou, and his wife Wang Yanfang in an undated photo.
(Photo courtesy of Wang Yanfang.)
A Guangzhou-based rights activist who was tried last year on public order charges in the southern Chinese city, has been subjected to torture and mistreatment while in police detention, prompting him to refuse food in protest, his lawyer said on Wednesday.
Sun Sihuo, better known as Sun Desheng, stood trial in Guangzhou’s Tianhe District People’s Court on Nov. 28 for “gathering a crowd to disrupt public order” alongside fellow activist Yang Maodong, better known by his pseudonym Guo Feixiong.
The two men have been held in police detention since 2013, after taking part in street protests for press freedom and calling for greater government transparency and protection for human rights. The court hasn’t yet announced a verdict or sentence.
Sun’s lawyer Chen Jinxue said Sun was “tortured and mistreated” during disciplinary procedures at the Tianhe District Detention Center, but was denied permission to complain about his treatment to the center’s director.
“His situation is pretty dire,” Chen told RFA on Wednesday. “They smashed his head against a wall, causing head injuries.”
“He wanted to complain to the state prosecution office, but they wouldn’t let him meet with them,” he said.
Sun had repeatedly refused food in protest at the denial of this meeting, but to no avail, Chen added.
“He is also suffering the effects of wearing manacles on hands and legs for 15 days straight,” he said.
Confiscated belongings
Chen said the authorities have confiscated all of Sun’s belongings except for light clothing and a blanket.
“The winters are cold and damp, but they won’t allow his family to deliver new clothing to him,” Chen said. “His arthritis has gotten pretty serious as a result, and he has problems standing.”
