U.S. officials and human rights activists are urging the immediate release of Chinese lawyer Gao Zhisheng, who has been missing for seven years. Gao disappeared on August 13, 2017, from his home in Shaanxi Province, China. Before he went missing, Gao faced imprisonment, house arrest, and torture for helping people in China who were targeted by the government because of their religious or spiritual beliefs.
On the seventh anniversary of his disappearance, the U.S. Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC) issued a statement calling for Gao’s release. They praised Gao for his bravery in defending those persecuted by Chinese authorities. The statement said that today marks the seventh anniversary of the disappearance of Gao Zhisheng and demanded his immediate and unconditional release and reunification with his family.
Gao’s case has drawn attention worldwide because of the harsh treatment he endured for his legal work. Human Rights Watch reported that while in custody, Gao suffered severe beatings, electric shocks, and even had toothpicks inserted into his genitals. These abuses have raised serious concerns about his safety.
Gao’s disappearance is part of a broader issue of human rights abuses in China against those who speak out against the government. The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) has also called for Gao’s release with their president stating that “The Chinese authorities must immediately release Gao Zhisheng and put an end to the persecution he faces
