From United Press International, “China Dissident Remains Alive in Prison”:

Family members of China dissident Gao Zhisheng said they have visited him in prison, marking the first confirmation he is alive in nine months.

Human Rights in China said Gao's younger brother and his father-in-law visited him Jan. 12.

Foreign human rights advocates had feared for Gao's life, The New York Times reported, as there hadn't been any word on his well-being since the family's last visit in March.

Human Rights in China said the brothers were told not to discuss prison conditions or the case against Gao, and were also not allowed to mention Gao's wife or children, who fled to the United States in 2009.

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