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Blind Chinese activist is 'asked to leave' New York University

Fellow activists suspect Chinese state pressure
Blind Chinese activist is 'asked to leave' New York University

Chen Guangchen with his wife at a recent rights awards ceremony in Washington DC (Picture: Saul Loeb/AFP)

Published: June 20, 2013 05:15 AM GMT
Updated: June 19, 2013 06:27 PM GMT

Amid reports that blind pro-life activist Chen Guangcheng is being asked to leave New York University, some human rights defenders are worried that the decision may have been influenced by the Chinese government.

“I have worked on other high-profile human rights cases just like this, and I’ve never known a case to bring such a high-profile, world-class human rights defender, and say ‘your time is up,’” Rep. Chris Smith (R- N.J.) told CNA, adding that the university’s actions bear “the hallmarks of pressure.”

While New York University officials say that the fellowship offered to Chen was always intended to be temporary, the pro-life activist said that the Chinese government exerted pressure on the university after he began speaking out on human rights abuses in his home country.

Blind since childhood, Chen became a self-taught human rights lawyer and drew the attention of Chinese officials for his work in opposing forced abortions and sterilizations under the government’s one-child policy.

Full Story: Activist's departure from NYU draws fear of Chinese pressure 

Source:Catholic News Agency

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