The event will be held in Oslo on Dec. 10 as scheduled, organizers said, but the awarding of the Peace Prize medal and the accompanying diploma and a check for $1.4 million might be delayed. Instead, according to supporters, text messages from Liu and some of his past writings may be read aloud.
Meanwhile, half a dozen countries, including China, have said they will not send diplomatic representatives to the ceremony. Those bowing to Chinese demands for a boycott are Russia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Morocco and Iraq. But about 36 other countries have confirmed they will attend.
Since Liu, a prominent writer and pro-democracy activist, was awarded the prize Oct. 8, the Chinese government has reacted furiously, repeatedly branding him a criminal, and warning other countries that if they sent representatives to Oslo they would risk unspecified "consequences."
Liu was sentenced in December to 11 years in prison for his part in circulating an Internet manifesto and petition, called Charter 08, calling for greater democracy in China.
This article appeared on page A - 5 of the San Francisco Chronicle
Read more: News
No comments:
Post a Comment