01/18/2006

Prominent Christian Rights Attorney, Gao Zhisheng, Escapes Government Assassination Attempt
China Aid Association Urgent Appeal For International Attention

MIDLAND, Texas Jan. 17 /Christian Wire Service/ -- China Aid Association learned that one of the most prominent Chinese rights lawyers, Mr. Gao Zhisheng, was almost killed in a blatant attempt by government security agents on January 17.

According to Mr. Gao's report to CAA, at 10:24 PM, while driving on a highway near the Asia Sports Game Village, in northwest Beijing, a mysterious car (with its license plate covered by newspaper) suddenly stopped in front him. Mr. Gao was able to stop his car just inches from the car in front of him. When Mr. Gao exited his car and walked to the front of the mysterious car it began moving toward him and he had to jump out of the way to avoid being run over. As the car sped away from the scene he found that the newspaper covering the license plate on the back of that car had blown off so he was able to record the plate number which is JING EB8233. Moreover, according to Mr. Gao, who recently dedicated his life to Christ, throughout the whole "accident" ordeal, a military vehicle had been on the scene.

Since writing his first public appeal to Chinese President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao urging them to pay attention to the sufferings of persecuted Falun Gong practitioners nearly three months ago and his continuous stance against human rights and religious freedom violations, Mr. Gao, along with his wife and his 12-year-old daughter have faced increasing danger. Mr. Gao is one of the lead attorneys for Beijing House church Pastor Cai Zhuohua. Mr. Gao's law firm was suspended for one year and his law license was revoked by the Beijing Beau of Justice in December 2005.

Click here to read Mr. Gao's report on the raid of his church last Sunday

CAA strongly condemns the Chinese Security Agents' attempt to assassinate conscientious lawyer Mr. Gao. "We urgently appeal to the international community to continue to show your concern for the safety of Mr. Gao and his family members," said Bob Fu, president of CAA, "The highest officials of the Chinese government should be held accountable by the international community for brutal activities like this. They have a constitutional responsibility and international obligation to protect the security of Chinese citizens and their freedom to travel - especially attorneys representing their clients." CAA urges international Christian communities to pray continuously for Mr. Gao and his family and write emails and make phone calls to show solidarity and brotherly love for Mr. Gao.

Mr. Gao Zhisheng Contact Information: Tel: +86- 10-13910000145(cell) and 81990759 email: gaozhisheng@263.net

Premier Wen Jiabao, PRC PO Box 1741, The State Council, Beijing, PRC (zip code 100017) Contact Phone: +86-10-66012399 Email: gazette@mail.gov.cn

Ms. Wu Aiying, minister of Ministry of Justice of PRC Tel:+86-10-65205114 Fax:+86-10-64729863 Email: pufamaster@legalinfo.gov.cn Address: No. 10, Nan Da Jie, Chaoyangmen, Beijing City (Zip Code: 100020)