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CHINA: The labour activist Xiao Yunliang, held in prison since March 2002, has been released by the Chinese authorities three weeks ahead of completing a four-year sentence. However, the persecution of Xiao Yunliang, a prominent independent labour activist from China's Liaoning Province, continues.
As of the 23rd of February when he was released, Xiao Yunliang has been under house arrest, and his apartment is currently being watched by four police guards and two police cars. Family and friends who have attempted to see him are being harassed and intimidated by police questioning, which has a caused a number of them to turn back for fear of reprisal.
Xiao Yunliang was falsely accused of rioting and leading a violent workers' demonstration. He was sentenced in May 2003 together with Yao Fuxin, another labour activist, who received a seven year term.
The Global Unions, including the IMF and its affiliates reiterates the call for the immediate release of Yao Fuxin and calls on the authorities to stop harassing and intimidating Xiao Yunliang and his family.
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