China: Dissident writer Hu Jia’s Health Failing

English PEN is deeply concerned by recent reports of the deteriorating health of imprisoned activist and dissident writer Hu Jia, who is serving a three-and-a-half year sentence for ‘inciting subversion of state power’ and one year’s denial of political rights (sentenced 3 April 2008) for his critical writings of Chinese Government and dissident activities.

According to English PEN’s information, Hu Jia suffers from long-term health problems including cirrhosis of the liver, and his condition is said to be deteriorating in prison. His family reports that he has been denied access to specialist medical care, and that they have been denied the right to visit him since early May, when he was transferred to another prison. His current whereabouts are unknown. English PEN calls for Hu Jia to be given all necessary medical care as a matter of urgency, and seeks information on his whereabouts.[continues...]