A China-based rights group has issued a statement calling on authorities to stop locking up innocent people on the false pretext that they are “mentally ill.” The statement by the Civil Rights and Livelihood Watch comes ahead of the National People’s Congress and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, China’s parliament and top advisory body, which are due to convene next month. It also asked the two congresses to make public apologies and pay compensation to victims of this abuse. Being termed mentally ill and locked up in mental hospitals is a popular measure used against petitioners, civil rights advocates, dissidents as well as religious faithful who do not affiliate with government-recognized religions. “This practice has become more and more serious as shown from statistics we have collected from different provinces and regions, except Tibet where we don’t have figures,” said Livelihood Watch spokesman Liu Feiyue. He said the group has documented nearly 100 cases where petitioners were thrown into mental hospitals last year. “It is cruel treatment to a sane person and anyone can become a victim,” said Liu. These people also have to contend with the social stigma after they are discharged, he noted. “We acknowledge government efforts to take action against this through the Mental Health Draft last year. But legal provisions have to be put into practice or it will be empty promises,” the statement said. In the draft, it stipulates that a person thought to have a mental illness should receive two referral examinations and two diagnoses. According to the World Health Organization, mental illness is now the biggest burden on the Chinese health care system, which has 16 million people with serious mental disorders. Related reports: Government steps up suppressionActivists urge release of clergy, lawyerHuman rights hit new low this year: report
