709 Lawyer Released on Bail in Psychological Distress

HRIC received the following account of the “release on bail” of lawyer Li Chunfu (李春富), who was detained in the 709 crackdown in 2015. The account describes Li in a state of apparent psychological damage. It was written by Wang Qiaoling (王峭岭), wife of Li’s brother, lawyer Li Heping (李和平), and by Li Wenzu (李文足), wife of lawyer Wang Quanzhang (王全璋). Li Heping and Wang Quanzhang are two other rights defense lawyers who were detained in the 709 crackdown, and who have been in custody since July 2015 on charges of “subversion of state power.” 

Below is HRIC’s translation of the account and of Li’s “Release on Bail Decision” issued by the Tianjin Municipal Public Security Bureau.

Li Chunfu was born in 1972.

Lawyer Li Chunfu Released on Bail, Emaciated and in State of Extreme Fear

By Wang Qiaoling and Li Wenzu
January 13, 2017
[Translation by Human Rights in China]

Yesterday, January 12, 2017, at 5:00 p.m., Li Chunfu was returned to the door of his Beijing home by policemen from the precinct in his neighborhood. Chunfu’s wife opened the door, stunned by what she saw.

Chunfu was skin and bones, pale, and dazed. He looked like a man in his 60s.

The policemen told Chunfu’s wife: Li Chunfu has been released on bail. The policeman left after saying this. But Chunfu stood at the door of his home and did not dare enter. His wife sobbed.

Chunfu’s wife wanted to take him by the hand to come inside. But he was afraid and dodged. Relatives who live nearby came to the house, after hearing news of his return. But Chunfu jumped and pushed them away. He said: “Go away, quick! Dangerous!” So they sat some distance from him.

This morning (January 13), Chunfu was still in a state of extreme fear. When he saw his wife making a phone call, he threw his arm around her neck in a chokehold and shouted angrily: “Who are you calling? You are bringing me trouble!” While shouting, he was applying force and trying to strangle her. Luckily, the relatives who were there pulled him away from her.

The police had warned Chunfu’s wife that if she got in touch with Wang Qiaoling, they would take Chunfu away again. But the relatives couldn’t stand it anymore—they wanted to tell Wang Qiaoling about what was happening with Chunfu.

We are heartsick in knowing Li Chunfu is in such a state! Every day and night we have been hoping for the return of Li Heping and Wang Quanzhang. Are you both still alive?

Update from Wang Qiaoling, night of the January 13:

Chunfu seems to have uncontrollable violence toward his family. Right after we left them today, he was beating his wife again. Chunfu’s male friends are taking turns staying at his home, in hopes that things would improve in a few days. If things get out of control, they can help call the police. We agree with that.

Release on Bail Decision

On January 12, 2017, the Tianjin Municipal Public Security Bureau released lawyer Li Chunfu on bail. The January 5 bail decision indicates that Li is being investigated for "subversion of state power," and that he may be sentenced to limited-term imprisonment or greater. The decision also states that Li Chunfu was “released on guarantee pending further investigation” because his release will not cause a risk to society.