Japan’s government says it will continue to pay close attention to human rights in China after the death of its most famous political prisoner. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga offered condolences for Nobel Peace Prize laureate Liu Xiaobo and said he had devoted his life to the pursuit…
Japan’s government says it will continue to pay close attention to human rights in China after the death of its most famous political prisoner.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga offered condolences for Nobel Peace Prize laureate Liu Xiaobo and said he had devoted his life to the pursuit of freedom and democracy.
Suga said respect for human rights and the rule of law are universal values and are important for all countries to guarantee.
Liu, who died Thursday of liver cancer, was awarded the 2010 Nobel while he was imprisoned for inciting subversion. His widow remains under house arrest.
11: 30 a.m.
A newspaper published by China’s ruling Communist Party is dismissing late Nobel Peace Prize laureate Liu Xiaobo as a political pawn of the West whose legacy will fade.
The rare mention of Liu in Chinese-language media comes as international tributes flow in for the political prisoner. He died Thursday of liver cancer.
The Global Times said in Friday’s editorial that Liu lived a “tragic life” because he sought to confront Chinese mainstream society with outside support.
Liu, a prolific essayist and literary critic, was serving an 11-year sentence for incitement to subversion. He was in prison when he was awarded the 2010 Nobel for advocating democratic reforms and human rights in China.
World leaders have praised Liu and called on China to release his widow, Liu Xia, from house arrest.
6 a.m.
The White House says President Donald Trump was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Chinese political prisoner Liu Xiaobo.
Press Secretary Sean Spicer says in a brief statement, “The President’s heartfelt condolences go out to Liu Xiaobo’s wife, Liu Xia, and his family and friends. “
The United States had called on China’s government to let the Nobel Peace Prize laureate and democracy activist seek medical care at a location of his choosing.
