Taipei, May 29 (CNA) A human rights group said on Monday that it plans to head a campaign in Europe to seek support for the early release of Taiwanese activist Lee Ming-che, who has been detained in China since March 19.
A statement released on May 26 by China's Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) said that Lee had been arrested on charges of "subversion of state power," an accusation that has been denounced by Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC).
According to Chiu E-ling, secretary-general of the Taiwan Association for Human Rights (TAHR), the trip to Europe would ideally take place in either June or September, since the United Nations Human Rights Council session and the Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance will be held at those times.
The association, which has mobilized a global signature drive in April calling for support from both local and international civic groups, said its next move will be to start another petition to get more people involved.
While there are netizens who have panned Lee for going to China in the first place, Chiu said a petition is one way to help people better understand the problem.
"Through public petitions, we hope to raise awareness of this issue and to keep members of the public informed of the facts," Chiu explained.
According to the secretary-general, a plan to visit Europe was already suggested by Lee's wife, Lee Ching-yu, prior to her departure for the United States on May 14.
A plan is still in the works, Chiu said, but added that the final decision will remain with Lee's wife.
