More than 350 people representing politics, media, and publishing have signed a letter of solidarity in support of detained journalist Li Yanhe (李延賀), better known by his pen name Fucha (富察). A press conference held on Friday marked 50 days since Li was detained in China for being suspected of what China calls “activities endangering national security.” Li is the founder of Gūsa Publishing, which has released books that include topics controversial in China, such as the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989.
The event was attended by former government ministers, such as the former education minister Cheng Jei-cheng (鄭瑞城) and former culture minister Cheng Li-chun (鄭麗君). Representatives from the media were present such as Rti Chairwoman Cheryl Lai (賴秀如). Li is also a program host at the public broadcaster.
Li is a Chinese national who is married to a Taiwanese person and has had residency in Taiwan since 2013. He was detained during a trip to Shanghai to visit family and deal with issues of residency and immigration.
Also in attendance was Reporters Without Borders (RSF) East Asia Bureau Director Cédric Alviani. He points out that China has detained more than 114 journalists, and says it is the world’s largest freedom of speech prison. He adds that China is ranked second to last on RSF’s World Press Freedom Index, reaching number 179 out of 180.