If you actually read the Communique of the Sixth Plenum of the 16th Central Committee of the CCP, it seems to be saying some pretty good things, like this:
The plenum puts forward the main objectives and tasks for building a harmonious socialist society by 2020, which are as follows: the socialist democratic and legal system is further improved; the fundamental principle of administering the country according to law is implemented in an all-around way; people's rights and interests enjoy concrete respect and guarantee...
Sounds like they are really serious about developing the rule of law, which has been undermined by political interests and manipulation since the founding of the PRC. Sounds like they are willing to allow honest and well-intentioned individuals to use the law against corrupt power holders. Sounds like average Chinese citizens might have a chance to defend themselves against tyrannical abuses of power.
But then you read something like this:
On Aug. 20, the Yinan County People's Court in Shandong province sentenced my husband, Chen Guangcheng, to four years and three months in prison on charges of "intentionally destroying property" and "assembling a crowd to disturb traffic."
Local officials punished my husband because he provided advice about the law and human rights to village women who were forced to undergo abortions. Officials in charge of birth control were afraid that they would be disciplined as a result of his peaceful activities.
Chen Guangcheng believes in the rule of law. He believes that the law should apply equally to everyone. He believes that government officials who break the law should be held accountable. He is performing a civic duty precisely in line with the Communique of the Sixth Plenum. But he has been arrested and brutalized. His tormentors have made a mockery of the very idea of the rule of law. And until President Hu Jintao finds the political courage to allow the law to develop in a truly equal and just manner, until he accepts that idea that honest people like Chen Guangcheng have a right and a duty to demand that the law apply to everyone equally, including Communist Party officials, until then the words of the Communique are empty.
Chen's wife ends her piece eloquently:
I want to send a message to my husband: One day the truth will come to light. Even though they put you in jail, they cannot imprison your thoughts and spirit. You must take good care of yourself so that you can continue your unfinished work.
Amen sister.
Free Chen Guangcheng!
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