Case Update: Police Ordered Zheng Enchong not to leave home as Tycoon Zhou's Case Opens
October 22, 2007
Human Rights in China (HRIC) has learned from sources in China that police ordered Shanghai rights defense lawyer Zheng Enchong not to leave home tomorrow when Shanghai tycoon Zhou Zhengyi’s case opens on October 23, 2007.
Domestic sources tell HRIC that the case of Shanghai tycoon, Zhou Zhengyi, will be tried in Shanghai Second Intermediate People's Court on October 23. Shanghai police have stepped up surveillance at Zheng’s home in order to prevent him from attending the hearing. The police demanded that Zheng obey their request and not leave his home tomorrow, claiming that "otherwise there will be conflict." Sources say that Zheng insisted on attending the hearing tomorrow to observe the proceedings as he is worried about the safety of some forcibly removed Shanghai householders who also plan to attend the proceedings.
Sources say that petitioners detained prior to the 17th Party Congress have still not been released. Zheng called on the international community to pay attention to their ongoing detention. Zheng also stated that Zhou’s case, coming at the close of the 17th Party Congress, is a good opportunity for the international media to assess the Chinese authority’s anti-corruption commitment.
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