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Thursday, April 18, 2024 | Back issues
Courthouse News Service Courthouse News Service

Questions Raised About Liu Xiaobo’s Prison Medical Treatment

As recently as February, Liu Xiaobo's brother dismissed reports that the Nobel Peace laureate might be ill in prison. Then came the bombshell Monday that Liu has been diagnosed with late-stage liver cancer and released on medical parole.

(AP) - As recently as February, Liu Xiaobo's brother dismissed reports that the Nobel Peace laureate might be ill in prison. Then came the bombshell Monday that Liu has been diagnosed with late-stage liver cancer and released on medical parole.

A brief video has also emerged of Liu's wife tearfully telling a friend that no treatment _ surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy _ would work for Liu at this point.

The news has shocked and angered Liu’s supporters and human rights advocates, who are questioning if China’s best-known political prisoner received inadequate care while incarcerated, or whether the authoritarian government deliberately allowed the 61-year-old to wither in prison.

Police cars could be seen Tuesday parked outside the hospital in the northern city of Shenyang where Liu was reportedly being treated.

Categories / Civil Rights, Government, International, Politics

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