"Cut Hair in Support of Liu Xia" Rally at Chinese Embassy in Washington DC

On March 6, 2014, "Chinese Coalition for Citizens Rights (CCCR)", a human rights organization based in America, jointly held a rally with Dr. Yang Jianli, chairman of "Initiatives for China", who is also honorary chairman of CCCR, at the Chinese Embassy on "Cut Hair in Support of Liu Xia" in Washington DC.

Liu Xia, the wife of imprisoned Nobel Peace Prize winner Liu Xiaobo, has been under house arrest in Beijing since her husband was awarded the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize. She was not allowed to communicate with her friends and supporters, and her health has been deteriorating. The Chinese government refused to let her go aboard for medical treatment. She has also been in great depression.

At the rally, Dr. Yang Jianli said that we Chinese citizens in America have to do something we can to help Liu Xia. Today, we come here to show our support by cutting off our hair, because Liu Xia is also shaved bald. We ask the Chinese government to let her receive medical treatment immediately and grant her right to work.

Before the rally, the Chinese Embassy had the US Secret Service monitor the proceedings of the rally. The police asked protestors to step away from the gate, regarded as the Chinese territory. The rally then moved to a small park directly across from the Embassy which is some steps away from the Gate.

A number of Liu Xia supporters shaved their heads bald at the rally, including some CCCR members. Numerous media, including "Voice of America", "Radio Free Asia", etc, covered the event.

CCCR members attending today's rally include: Jin Lianhua, Jin Chunri, Jin Yingji, Cui Shenghu, Piao Hulin, Piao Yingmei, Lin Shanshu, Luo Shimeng.