On January 14, 2014, "Chinese Coalition for Citizens Rights", a human rights organization, held a rally at the United Nations square demanding the Chinese government to release Liu Xiaobo, a Beijing writer who was sentenced to 11 years in prison in 2009 for writing an article calling for constitutional reform and freedom of speech in China.
Dr. Liu Xiaobo wrote "Charter 08", a manifesto calling for rule of law, constituional reform, democracy and freedom of speech in China. He was detained in December 2008 for this article on charges of "inciting to subvert state power". He was sentenced on December 25, 2009, the Christmas Day, (Liu Xiaobo is a Christian), to 11 years in prison for this article he wrote.
In 2010, Dr. Liu Xiaobo was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for the outstanding contribution to China's peaceful transition to democracy. However, he was not able to present himself at the awarding ceremony in Oslo, Norway on December 10, 2010 to receive the award because he was still serving his prison terms. Right now he is still in prison despite repeated calls and appeals all over the world.
Members of "Chinese Coalition for Citizens Rights" attending today's rally include: Ming Jian, Zheng Yun, Deng Huanhuan, Zheng Jinghua, Shen Wenlie, Zhao Meiling, Wu Meisong, Xu Yingyu, Cui Ying, Cui Chunhua, Jin Xiuluo, Cui Shenghu, Lu Aihua, Piao Yingmei.
