Completed Fight for Our First Prisoner of Conscience: Mao Hengfeng
Here are some efforts we led:
Wrote to Chinese authorities to demand an investigation into allegations of torture and an assurance that she will be granted full freedom of movement. We gathered signatures via a downloadable petition.
Wrote to Mao Hengfeng to let her know concerned citizens were supporting her
Background
Mao Hengfeng (pictured here with her three daughters) has first-hand experience with China’s practice of forced-abortions. After suffering this abuse in the 1980’s, Mao Hengfeng has spoken out against such practices, as well as against China’s practices of forced evictions and China’s imprisonment of the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize Recipient, Liu Xiaobo. She has suffered repeated imprisonment and torture as a result of her willingness to speak out non-violently against these injustices.
Background:
Two days after her release in February, 2011, Chinese authorities again imprisoned Mao Hengfeng on February 23, 2011, for allegedly violating her parole. Chinese authorities released her, in very poor health, in late July/early August 2011.
The Southern Oregon Chapter of Amnesty International is honored to be able to work for Mao Hengfeng and help her gain justice. In addition to the above-referenced sites, you can learn more about Mao Hengfeng by clicking here. If you would like to join us in our efforts to gain justice for Mao Hengfeng, you are welcome at our monthly meetings or contact Dave Lefkowitz at lefko@hevanet.com
Click here to see two of her friends in China asking for your help.
Thank you.
– revised March, 2012 by David Lefkowitz
Amnesty International, Southern Oregon Chapter 
Here’s an August 9, 2011 Response from Oregon’s Senator, Jeff Merkley:
Dear David,
Thank you for contacting me to share your concerns about the potential torture and holding of Mao Hengfeng. I appreciate you raising this issue with me.
Thanks to your letter and the letters of fellow Oregonians, I have asked my staff to take a closer look into this matter. It is very helpful to hear your comments, particularly as I hold conversations with my Senate colleagues on the release of the female Chinese dissident, Mao Hengfeng.
Again, I have made note of your points and appreciate your input. I hope you will continue to send your observations and thoughts my way.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey A. Merkley
United States Senator
On August 12, 2011 we mailed our petition with 29 signatories for the full investigation into the alleged torture of Mao Hengfeng by the Chinese authorities during her most recent imprisonment. We mailed the petition to the Director of the prison in Shanghai, with copies to the Chinese Ambassador in Washington, D.C., US Sec. of State Clinton, the Mayor of Shanghai and the Premier of China. We hope that by adding our voices in this call for justice, we can help ensure China’s authorities are held accountable for their treatment of Mao Hengfeng and they refrain from further abuse of the rights she and her fellow Chinese have as human beings.