CHINA–On September 30, 2006, police from the Beijing Public Security Bureau, who were responsible for attorney Gao Zhisheng’s arrest, officially informed Gao’s wife, Geng He, that Gao was under arrest. Up to now, Gao’s attorney Mo Shaoping had not received any official confirmation regarding the official arrest from the police.
Gao was arrested on August 15 and up to October 2 had been detained for 48 days, which far exceeds the 37-days detention limit which is defined by the so-called “law” in China.
When Gao’s representing lawyer Mo made an application to meet with Gao, the police first used the excuse that they could not find the department responsible for this case.
One week later, the Beijing police again came out with a second excuse to refuse Mo meeting with Gao by saying that Gao Zhisheng’s case involves “national secrets”.
On September 28, the police sent Mo notification in writing denying Mo’s application for Gao’s bail.
During the 48 days of Gao’s incarceration, his wife Geng He, their daughter Geng Ge (13 years old,) his elder sister Gao Yanfang, his eldest brother Gao Zhiyi, three of his nephews working in Beijing and his relative Huang Yan have all been subject to official abuse, including illegal detention, house arrest, being repatriated back to their hometowns, threats and interrogation..
When I (Hu Jia) was subpoenaed to assist in the criminal investigation on September 7, the police claimed that I was the only suspected accomplice in Gao’s case.
