According to informed sources, Xu Kun (许坤), the imprisoned chief of Baihutou Village in Beihai, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, was recently transferred to a new cell at the Beihai No. 2 Detention Center where his five cellmates are picking fights with him daily. In light of the many unusual deaths and injuries that occur in China’s detention centers, Xu’s family and friends fear for his safety.
Beginning in 2007, Xu led a fight against government requisition of Baihutou Village land. He was elected village chief in 2008. In 2009, he was expelled from the Communist Party and had the official village seal forcibly taken from him. He was taken into custody in May 14, 2010, following an episode earlier that month when several hundred policemen were reported to have blocked the seven or eight entrances to the village and surrounded Xu’s home.
In detention, Xu has been deprived of the right to communicate with the outside, including his family, is not allowed to read books or newspapers, and is made to work 14 hours a day. His trial was held on February 28, 2011, at the Yinhai District People’s Court of Beihai. The court has yet to issue a verdict. His case has drawn international attention.
HRIC urges the international community to call the Beihai No. 2 Detention Center – +86 0779 209 1788, +86 0779 209 1770, +86 0779 383 3029 – to express concern and to ask the Beihai No. 2 Detention Center to ensure his safety.
For more information regarding Xu Kun and the Baihutou Village case, see:
- “Guangxi Villagers Tried for Illegal Business Activities in Fight against Land Requisition,” February 28, 2011
- Yi Ming, “Defending Rights in Baihutou Village,” China Rights Forum, 2010, no. 4
- “Guangxi Authorities Target Village Chief Active in Land Rights,” May 19, 2010
- HRIC Take Action Campaign: Take Action in Year of the Rabbit!, February 01, 2011