Huang Qi appeals 12-year sentence 

Human rights activist Huang Qi, founder of the website 64 Tianwang, lodged an appeal in early August against his 12-year prison sentence for purportedly disclosing state secrets.

After Huang issued his appeal, lawyer Zhang Lei was cleared by government officials to work on the case. Zhang attempted to travel to Chengdu to meet with Huang’s mother, Pu Wenqing, but was met by police who took him away. He was released later in the day.

Pu has faced numerous difficulties attempting to hire additional legal counsel. After securing a deal with a lawyer in Hangzhou, officials indicated the attorney needed to be approved in order to work the case. Pu, a member of Early Rain Covenant Church, did not receive an official notice about Huang’s sentence.

She learned the news via volunteers at 64 Tianwang. Many are concerned about the sentence levied against Huang, especially in light of his health issues.

Huang suffers from high blood pressure, renal failure, and other dis-eases.He was sent to prison in 2003 by the Chengdu Municipal Court on a charge of subverting state power and was later released on June 4, 2005.

Below is a photo of human rights activist Huang Qi