For the Guardian, Sian Cain reports on recent efforts from high-profile writers to push China to release Nobel Laureate and poet Liu Xiaobo from prison. According to Cain, Xiaobo was detained for “inciting subversion of state power,” and his supporters, including Margaret Atwood and Ian Rankin, hope he will be released by the seventh anniversary of his arrest. Poet Judith Rodriguez said of the effort:
“All supporters of freedom of expression – our one resource in the face of repressive regimes – must admire and speak up for Liu Xiaobo. Living in relative safety, we try to imagine the cost of speaking out. Liu Xiaobo has put his life on the line. It is an honour to be able to support his high principle and courage.”
