Rights lawyer ‘exempt from criminal penalty’

A human rights lawyer in Hunan province was ruled “exempt from criminal penalty” on Christmas day following more than two years of persecution and torture.

Xie Yang learned he would not face any criminal penalty on Dec. 25. Originally taken into custody during a nationwide crackdown on July 11, 2015, the Hunan-based lawyer spent two years in prison before his trial on May 8, 2017.

Post-trial, Xie lived under the intense monitoring in his house. According to his wife, Chen Guiqiu, who covertly fled to the U.S. with their two daughters, he reports to agents every four hours and cannot leave the city unless he receives permission.

Prior to trial, Xie maintained his innocence, saying, “If someday I admit any guilt, whether in written form or voice recording, it would definitely not be out of my own will. It would be either caused by continued torture or to get a chance to be bailed out and reunited with my family.” While Xie’s verdict means he is legally free, he was convicted of his supposed crime.

“Xie Yang’s liberation is a wonderful Christmas present,” Bob Fu said. “We continue to urge Chinese authorities to respect his freedom by ceasing their surveillance and allowing him to travel freely. Please continue praying that the government will stop monitoring him and allow him to be reunited with his family.”