Chinese dissident poet charged with subversion

Veteran democracy activist Zhu Yufu has been charged with attempting to subvert the state by writing the poem urging the Chinese people to “use your feet and take to the square”.

A DISSIDENT WRITER in China has been charged with “subversion” by the country’s authorities for writing a poem urging citizens to defend their freedoms .

Veteran democracy activist Zhu Yufu, 58, was charged in the eastern city of Hangzhou with attempting to subvert the state by writing the poem and publishing it online, according to his lawyer.

The poem - entitled It’s Time - states: “It’s time, Chinese people! / The square belongs to everyone / the feet are yours / it’s time to use your feet and take to the square to make a choice.”

Zhu’s lawyer, Li Dunyong, said that a date for the trial had not yet been set but added that Zhu was in “good condition,” reports the BBC.

Zhu has been jailed twice before for his pro-democracy activism: in 1999 for seven years, for helping to found the China Democratic Party, and then again in 2007 for two years for pushing a police officer while being arrested, reports the San Francisco Chronicle.

A list of high-profile pro-democracy activists have been arrested in China in recent months – a move that has been seen as an attempt by the government’s to prevent ‘Arab Spring’ style dissent in the country.

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can make sure we can keep reliable, meaningful news open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Support us Learn More