CECC Chairman Issues Statement on Wo Weihan Death Penalty Case

Congressional-Executive Commission on China | www.cecc.gov

CECC Chairman Issues Statement on Wo Weihan Death Penalty Case

November 27, 2008

(Washington, DC)—We note with significant interest that the Chinese government may be revisiting procedural issues in the death penalty case of Mr. Wo Weihan, whose execution is pending. Concerns have been raised over matters such as Mr. Wo’s access to counsel, his access to information during preparation of his defense, the transparency of proceedings that resulted in his conviction and sentencing, and the manner in which questions concerning the proportionality of his punishment were reviewed. We shall continue to monitor press reports indicating that China's Supreme People's Court may be taking time to complete a full, fair and transparent review of Mr. Wo's death sentence. The effective implementation of basic human rights, and the ability of all people in China to live under the rule of law depends on careful attention to and transparent compliance with procedural norms and safeguards that meet international standards.

Additional information is available on the Commission's website at: www.cecc.gov

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