Wolf Statement On Release Of Chinese Dissident From Prison

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA) welcomed today the release from prison of Gao Zhisheng, a human rights lawyer who had been in the custody of the Chinese government since 2009.  Gao’s imprisonment for defending the rights of oppressed religious groups in China, especially Christians and the Falun Gong movement, has attracted international attention.

Wolf had “adopted” Mr. Gao as part of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission’s (TLHRC) Defending Freedoms Project, in which members of Congress are encouraged to advocate for prisoners of conscience around the world.  Gao’s wife, Geng He, testified at a TLHRC hearing in January.  Wolf is co-chair of the TLHRC.

“I am relieved to hear that Gao has been granted his freedom from torture and seclusion, though I fear that he may not be truly free outside prison,” Wolf said.  “I suspect that he will continue to be monitored by government authorities, and that they will try to prevent him from traveling in order to reunite with his family.  While I have not heard about his wishes, I hope that, if he chooses to apply, he will be granted asylum in the United States.”