Update: Chen Guangcheng Arrives in the United States, Issues Thanks
NEWARK , N. J.—After years of persecution and house arrest, a dramatic escape to the American embassy in Beijing, a confused departure and hospitalization, and the harassment and detention of family members, blind activist Chen Guangcheng is finally on the flight to Newark Airport.
It’s what Reggie Littlejohn, an activist against the Chinese regime’s one-child policy and president of Women’s Rights Without Frontiers, calls the “most exciting moment” in her life.
Littlejohn received a call from Congressman Chris Smith this morning inviting her to “walk Chen and his family out of the airport.”
“I have been advocating for Chen Guangcheng since 2008 when I testified at the European Parliament,” said a joyous Littlejohn. “I just never thought this moment would ever happen, and here it is!”
“I think there is probably a struggle inside of the Chinese Communist Party. We were all hoping and praying and working, just trying to help him so that the people [in the regime] that want to do the right thing and let him go would be the ones that would win,” Littlejohn said. “It’s incredible.”
United Airlines flight 88 is expected to arrive at 6:25 p.m. eastern time, according to the digital display in the airport.
Wang Xuezhen, a supporter of Chen from his hometown, bought a big Snoopy stuffed animal for Chen’s children. “I am the only supporter of him from China that has come to the U.S.,” Wang said proudly.
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