March 29, 2017 — Scholars at Risk (SAR) is gravely concerned that Professor Feng Chongyi, a scholar of China studies at the University of Technology, Sydney, has been prohibited from traveling outside China, apparently to retaliate against or prevent nonviolent academic work.
SAR understands that Professor Feng traveled to China in early March 2017 to research conditions relating to human rights lawyers in the country. During his last week in the country, state security officers in Kunming visited Professor Feng and questioned him about his research and the individuals he had been meeting with. On March 24, Professor Feng was scheduled to return to Australia, however, he was barred from boarding his flight upon arriving at the customs checkpoint at Guangzhou Airport. The next day, he reportedly made a second failed attempt to board a return flight, and learned that he is being denied exit from China on allegations that he is a threat to state security. SAR further understands that Professor Feng continues to face questioning from state security officers, and that he has been advised that he only has permission to travel within the country until further notice
SAR calls for emails, letters, and faxes respectfully urging the appropriate authorities to investigate the situation and to lift any travel restrictions against Professor Feng or, pending this, to explain the circumstances of any restrictions on his travel and to ensure his access to counsel throughout any investigative proceedings.
President Xi Jinping
The State Council General Office
2 Fuyoujie
Xichengqu
Beijingshi 100017
People’s Republic of China
CC: Minister of Foreign Affairs, People’s Republic of China; Premier, People’s Republic of China; Permanent Representative of the People’s Republic of China to the United Nations; Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the United States; Deputy Chief of Mission, United States Embassy to the People’s Republic of China; United States Secretary of State; United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights; Prime Minister of Australia; Vice-Chancellor and President, University of Technology, Sydney; and Scholars at Risk
Your Excellency:
I write to express grave concern that Professor Feng Chongyi, a scholar of China studies at the University of Technology, Sydney, has been prohibited from traveling outside China, apparently to retaliate against or prevent nonviolent academic work. I respectfully urge you to direct the appropriate authorities to ensure Professor Feng’s right to travel.
I understand from Scholars at Risk (SAR) that Professor Feng traveled to China in early March 2017 to research conditions relating to human rights lawyers in the country. During his last week in the country, state security officers in Kunming visited Professor Feng and questioned him about his research and the individuals he had been meeting with. On March 24, Professor Feng was scheduled to return to Australia, however, he was barred from boarding his flight upon arriving at the customs checkpoint at Guangzhou Airport. The next day, he reportedly made a second failed attempt to board a return flight, and learned that he is being denied exit from China on allegations that he is a threat to state security. I further understand from SAR that Professor Feng continues to face questioning from state security officers, and that he has been advised that he only has permission to travel within the country until further notice.
I welcome any additional information that may explain these events or clarify my understanding. Absent this, the facts as described suggest that Professor Feng has been arbitrarily denied the right to travel, apparently with intent to retaliate against or obstruct the nonviolent exercise of the right to academic freedom, freedom of expression, and freedom of association – conduct that is expressly protected by international human rights instruments including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which China is a signatory.
I therefore respectfully urge you to investigate the situation and to urge the appropriate authorities to lift any travel restrictions against Professor Feng or, pending this, to explain the circumstances of any restrictions on his travel and to ensure his access to counsel throughout any investigative proceedings.
I thank you for your attention to this important matter, and look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
