People's Republic of China: Women in China: detained, victimized but mobilized

People's Republic of China: Women in China: detained, victimized but mobilized

Comments:
This report updates wide-ranging concerns about the violation of the human rights of women in China detailed by Amnesty International prior to the UN 4th World Conference on Women (WCW) held in Beijing in September 1995. The total number of women detained in China for the non-violent exercise of their rights to freedom of expression and association is impossible to determine. In addition to charges of "counter-revolutionary activities", charges of leaking state secrets, of interfering with production or disturbing social order and ill-defined administrative offences are routinely used for politically motivated detention.This report also details female political prisoners held for long periods without charge, or sentenced to long prison terms after judicial proceedings which fall far short of international fair trial standards. Women have been in the frontline as victims of state repression of religious activity. In Tibet, Buddhist nuns have been detained for their prominent role in dissident activity. Women have also been detained, restricted and harassed whilst struggling for justice for imprisoned relatives, or speaking out about violations against others. Women in detention have reportedly been beaten with electric batons, sticks, rifle butts and leather belts. Women awaiting execution have been shackled to boards for months, and there are unresolved cases of suspected deaths in custody following ill-treatment. This report examines the Chinese authorities response to such issues since 1995 versus committments made at the WCW. It reiterates Amnesty International's concerns about human rights violations which result from the coercive application of the birth control policy. The report also examines the increasing use of the death penalty in China, in particular for non-violent and economic crimes, which has led to a corresponding increase in the proportion of women sentenced to death. The cases cited in this report are a representative cross-section of those known to Amnesty International. Further information about individuals detained, harassed or ill treated can be found in 'Women in China - Imprisoned and Abused for Dissent' (AI Index: ASA 17/29/95).

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