September 19, 2012. Amnesty International reports that Li Wangling, sister of the late veteran dissident Li Wangyang, and her husband Zhao Baozhu were located on September 5 after approximately 90 days of enforced disappearance.
The couple had been detained after questioning the circumstances of Li Wangyang’s June 6 death. Amnesty reports that, although they were no longer in official custody when located, they remained under tight police surveillance.
Their reappearance does not resolve the accountability questions raised by their disappearance. Authorities should explain the legal basis for their confinement and restrictions, investigate any abuse, guarantee their freedom of movement and expression, and ensure that they can seek legal advice without intimidation.
The case reinforces the need to examine Li Wangyang’s death and subsequent pressure on his family as part of the same human-rights record.