Blind Chinese Activist \'Happy\' With Beijing\'s Handling of Case

Blind Chinese dissident Chen Guangcheng says he's pleased with the Chinese government's handling of his case, despite his confinement in a Beijing hospital and the reported detention of his relatives.

Chen, an outspoken human rights activist often critical of the govt., was measured in his comments during an interview Friday with VOA's Mandarin television program, Pro & Con.

“To the Chinese government, i'm very pleased with the cool-headedness and reticence with which they've handled this situation,” he said. “I hope the Chinese government, especially the central government, can continue to take steps towards further emancipating their minds, deepen reforms, and higher address social injustices.”

If that occurs, Chen said, he believes Beijing could gain the trust of the folks.

Chen have been recuperating within the Chaoyang hospital since leaving the U.S. Embassy, where he took refuge last month after breaking free from local security forces imprisoning him and his family at their Shandong province home.

Chen says police at the moment are blocking hospital visits by friends, relatives and U.S. diplomats. The self-taught lawyer, who fell out of the favor of local authorities after protesting forced abortions and sterilizations, is awaiting a visa from Beijing to review within the U . s . a ..

Chen told VOA if he moves to the us, he desires to live in peace. REUTERSChen Guangcheng on the U.S. embassy in Beijing, May 2, 2012.“I'd similar to to mainly rest for some time, then supplement my very own knowledge,” he said. “It's already been greater than seven years i have not had a single weekend without tension. So really it's these two things that i'm hoping i will do.”

Chen says he suffered torture by the hands of Chinese security forces who turned his home right into a virtual prison, with security cameras, covered windows and plainclothes policemen patrolling the line to his house.

Since Chen's escape, his brother and sister-in-law reportedly has been detained, and Chen's lawyers say his nephew is facing “intentional homicide” charges for attacking intruders who entered his home looking for Chen.

The activist told VOA he last spoke with Chinese authorities on Monday, and they reaffirmed a pledge to research what he called the “illegal happenings” in Shandong.

“The important thing is they will handle the case publically based on Chinese law - they expressed this very clearly.  But they haven't clearly said when this can begin,” he said.

From WhatNewsToday.net

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