New Forum for Advancing Democracy in China EstablishedFriday March 7 10:23 AM Noted Harvard PhD. and democracy activist, Dr. Yang Jianli announced today the formation of a new organization for advancing democracy in China. Initiatives for China (GongMinLiLiang "Citizen Power" in Chinese) will be headquartered in Boston and will serve as the overseas steering center for pro-democracy groups in China. Initiatives for China is a response to the ongoing efforts of the ruling communist party to suppress opposition to its autocratic rule by decapitating and isolating the many human rights and democracy organizations that have formed to bring democracy to China. A survivor of the 1989 Tiananmen Square Massacre, Dr. Yang returned to the United States in August of 2007 after serving five years in prison for "espionage". His only offense was to speak to the workers in northern China about labor unrest in the area. Dr. Yang was tortured and spent long periods in solitary confinement. The Chinese government released him only after an international outcry for his freedom, including a UN Resolution and a unanimous vote of both houses of the U.S. Congress. Because of his experiences and his international standing as a respected scholar, Dr. Yang was entrusted by activists and opinion leaders he met in China to create and lead this organization. "Initiatives for China will empower the citizens of China by giving a singular voice to their struggles and dreams for the restoration of human rights and a peaceful transition to democracy" said Dr. Yang. "I am forever thankful to the American people for their tremendous support. The continued moral leadership of America is vital to the peaceful emergence of a true democracy in China." A reception for Dr. Yang will be held at the Massachusetts State House on April 1st at 3:00pm. State Legislators, leaders, and friends will assemble to welcome Dr. Yang back to Massachusetts. At that time Dr. Yang will announce a major event regarding the importance of continued American support for democratic reform in China. Initiatives for China is a non profit organization dedicated to empowering the citizens of China by sowing the seeds of hope and giving voice to their struggles for a peaceful transition to democracy. Photos available for this release: Dr. Yang with Rep. Tom Lantos and Barney Frank after being released from 5 years in a Chinese prison Yang Jianli at age 26 in Tiananmen Square on June 3,1989 To view photos, go to www.enewsrelease.com/pressroom and enter Release ID: 136470 Contact:
Initiatives for China Foundation -------------------------- |