Demand Liu Ping's release

Justice for Liu Ping Liu Ping, an activist for workers' rights and anti-corruption efforts in China, was sentenced to more than six years in prison. She has stated that she was tortured during her pre-trial detention, and she continues to be at-risk. Stand in solidarity with Liu. Call for her unconditional release. Dear Tracy, Liu Ping is no stranger to standing for universal human rights, despite the risks. When Liu was 45 years old, she was forced to retire from her work at the state-owned Xinyu Iron and Steel Plant in China. Angered and mobilized, she became an activist — first for workers' rights, then for anti-corruption efforts. As a result, Liu has been intimidated. She's been beaten. She's been illegally detained. Now, she's been sentenced to more than six years in prison for calling on the Chinese government to step up the fight against corruption. She's stated that she was tortured during her pre-trial detention, and she continues to be at-risk. Demand freedom for Liu. Call for her unconditional release. Liu is one of many people who have been persecuted and detained for their links to the New Citizens' Movement, which is a network of activists aiming to promote government transparency and expose corruption in China. She was found guilty of "picking quarrels and provoking troubles," "gathering a crowd to disturb order in a public place," and "using an evil cult to undermine law enforcement." Her case highlights the hypocrisy of Chinese government officials, who claim to be clamping down on corruption - yet persecute those who try to expose it. Stand in solidarity with Liu. Liu Ping's 50th birthday is tomorrow. She may be behind bars, but let her know that she is not alone — stand in her defense and in the defense of so many like her. "I am innocent; every step that I have taken, it has all been in the legitimate pursuit of equality, freedom, and democracy. I have put into action all that I believe in. History will declare my innocence." - Liu Ping In solidarity, Jasmine Heiss Senior Campaigner, Individuals at Risk Program Amnesty International USA