Didge – The View From Down Under

This is really disturbing. Fu Xiancai is a campaigner for the rights of villagers affected by the Three Gorges dam. Last month he was interviewed on German television, where he criticised the Chinese government. Now back in China, Fu was recently called into a police station to explain his appearance on television and his critical remarks. After leaving the police station he was attacked from behind and subsequently left paralysed from the neck down.

He has vowed not to give up his fight for human rights in his country, however he currently doesn’t have enough money for a crucial operation. And this is not the first time he has been assaulted. In fact the group Human Rights in China have specified over ten occurrences of intimidation or violence just this year.

For starters it’s ridiculous that he has to be questioned by police just for giving an interview. I so strongly believe in a persons right to freedom of speech, it angers me greatly when I hear reports of this kind. But then to break someone’s neck in a callous and cowardly attack like this leaves me flabbergasted.

Fu Xiancai certainly has all my respect. He sounds like an extraordinarily determined person. We certainly need such people to fight for the rights of people and to bring world-wide attention to such causes. I just wish it wasn't so dangerous to be the good guy.

The Age: Chinese activist paralysed in attack

Gulf Times: Activist who campaigned for dam displaced paralysed in attack (Includes an interview with Fu Xiancai.)

HRIC Welcomes German Intervention in Case of Three Gorges Activist