(LinkAsia: May 4, 2012)
Yul Kwon:
Here's Japanese broadcaster NHK with a report explaining who Chen Guangcheng is and how the Chinese government is responding to his escape.

--

NHK World NEWSLINE
Airdate: May 2, 2012

Susumu Kojima, NHK World:
Civil rights activist Chen Guangcheng lost his sight as a child. He taught himself law and started campaigning for the disabled. He also spoke out against forced abortions under the government's one-child policy.

Chen was detained by police in 2006 and spent the next four years in prison. His ordeal continued after his release in 2010. The dissident was put under house arrest with his family in Shandong province.

Sources close to Chen say the dramatic escape happened on April 22nd. He is said to have broken out, climbing over the wall around his house. The sources say he managed to slip past the guards and arrived in Beijing four days later.

After the escape, Chen posted a video message on the internet. It is a direct appeal to Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao. He demands an investigation into his case. He says his house arrest is illegal and claims he and his family members have been beaten up.

Chen Guangcheng:
More than 10 men pushed my wife down to the floor and covered her with bedding, then repeatedly beat her for several hours.

Susumu Kojima:
On Wednesday, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson accused the US embassy of being deeply involved in Chen's case. Observers say that while the Chinese government wants to draw a line under the issue, public reaction could force it to make a stand against the US.

Check out this amazing four-part documentary on the effects of climate change, overpopulation, the extinction of animal and plant species, growing consumption and industrialized farming. A Link viewer favorite, this series lays out the impending dangers to our biosphere, and paints a sweeping picture of how these changes are affecting all life around the globe. Among the many experts interviewed in The Planet is the incredible Jared Diamond, professor and writer of "Guns, Germs and Steel" and "Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed." Visit The Planet program page by clicking here.

 

This series is now available as a gift for your contribution to Link! For more details, click here.