Meridian, ID - Earlier today, Chinese dissident and activist Liu Xiaobo was sentenced by a Chinese court for his work to spread democratic ideals in that country. Read more here
Idaho Congressman Walt Minnick released the following statement:
"I join the American people in condeming the sentencing of Mr. Liu Xiaobo," MInnick said. "His so-called crime was simple: declaring that all qualified Chinese citizens, regardless of their membership in the Communist Party, should have the right to select their leaders by free, fair and open elections. His punishment is deplorable."
Minnick first took up Liu Xiaobo's cause in May, during a commencement speech at the University of Idaho. Minnick later passed through the U.S. House of Representatives a bipartisan resolution calling on the Chinese government to release the dissident and acitivist. Minnick has also met with officials from the U.S. State Department to highlight Mr. Liu's case.
More information on Minnick's efforts here. More information on the resolution here.