MCLC: Clinton must visit Chen

[Denton, Kirk]

MCLC LIST
From: kirk (denton.2 at osu.edu)
Subject: Clinton must visit Chen
***********************************************************

Source: CNN (5/3/12):
http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/03/opinion/ling-chinese-dissident/index.html

Hillary Clinton must visit Chen Guangcheng
By Bei Ling, Special to CNN

Editor's note: Bei Ling, an exiled Chinese poet and essayist, is the
founder and executive director of Independent Chinese PEN Center.
<http://www.chinesepen.org/english/>

(CNN) -- On Wednesday night, Chen Guangcheng's cell phone stopped working.
The only means that the blind Chinese human rights lawyer, his wife, Yuan
Weijing, and their two children had of connecting with those outside
Beijing Chaoyang Hospital was cut off.

This was less than 12 hours after Chen left the U.S. Embassy in Beijing
accompanied by U.S. Ambassador Gary Locke, Assistant Secretary of State
Kurt Campbell and other diplomats on his way to the hospital.

According to Chen's lawyer, Teng Biao, it wasn't until 8:45 p.m., after an
official from the U.S. Embassy called the hospital asking that a meal be
delivered, that Chen and his family were able to have dinner. The meal
should have been delivered to the ward much earlier.

What is even more worrisome is that Chen's cell phone was disconnected
after he called the U.S. Embassy for help at 10 p.m. and no one answered.

One thing is certain: Chen and his family once again fear for their safety.

I won't comment on whether Chen left the U.S. Embassy in Beijing of his
own volition. When he's free, he can address this question himself. There
will also be no shortage of evaluation of the U.S. government's decision,
including its conflicting priorities of defending human rights and
advancing national interests.

But as a father and husband, if Chen could not be with his wife and
children and protect them, he certainly couldn't be expected to choose to
stay in the U.S. Embassy or flee to the United States as a political
refugee.

So the question is: Will Chen get any real freedom now?

Perhaps the situation will not be like his home in Shandong province where
Chen's personal safety was in permanent jeopardy. But surveillance,
wiretapping and random threats will follow him everywhere like a shadow.
Thugs hired at 100 yuan a day by the local government will be replaced by
state-level public security officers fully equipped with high-tech
monitoring cameras and recorders. Just because the Chinese government made
oral and written promises regarding the future of Chen and his family does
not mean that they will be able to live a life free of watchful eyes.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has said: "Mr. Chen has a number of
understandings with the Chinese government about his future, including the
opportunity to pursue higher education in a safe environment. Making these
commitments a reality is the next crucial task. The United States
government and the American people are committed to remaining engaged with
Mr. Chen and his family in the days, weeks and years ahead."

Regardless of how busy Clinton is with high-level meetings during her time
in Beijing, the well-being of Chen and his family must be a priority.

A mere telephone conversation isn't enough. What Chen expressed in his
broken English, "I want to see you," should not be misconstrued as "I want
to kiss you." Clinton must visit him, his wife and children as early as
possible. And during the visit, she must reiterate the promise to Chen and
the international community that "the United States government and the
American people are committed to remaining engaged with Mr. Chen and his
family."

She should tell Chen in person that the American government is committed
to the safety of him and his family in China, and that they should have
the freedom of movement -- the most important freedom to him -- and
freedom to express opinions publicly. To that end, they should have
telephone and Internet access, and unblocked communication with the
outside world.

Regardless of where Chen goes in China in the coming days, weeks and
years, the U.S. Embassy should regularly visit him and his family to
ensure that they are indeed safe and free. At the very least, the American
government should feel responsible for.

This is a serious test for Clinton in her role as secretary of state and
as guardian of American values of human rights and freedom.

This essay was translated from Chinese by Scott Savitt.

The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Bei Ling.