Cambridge Evening News: ‘Thanks to a kind stranger’

A student campaigning for the release of his fiancée from prison in China says he has been touched by the kindness of a Cambridge schoolgirl.

Dr Weiguo Xie wants people in the West to put pressure on the Chinese authorities to release Yongjie Zhu who, like thousands of others, has been imprisoned for practicing Falun Gong, an ancient and peaceful programme of meditation.

He and others have been gathering names in Cambridge for a petition to present to the Chinese government, asking for the release of his fiancée and others.

Now he has written an open letter to the News thanking the girl he knows only as Laura who presented campaigners with a teddy bear for Yongjie.

The teenager and her friends presented it to Cambridgeshire-based campaigner Dr Guihua Li as she collected signatures in the city.

Dr Xie has been unable to deliver it to her Chinese prison cell but has pledged to keep it safe for her until the couple are reunited.

He wrote: “Though our practitioners have never accepted any donations from the public Dr Li told me she could not reject you at all, a beautiful girl with such a very kind heart. She and everyone who has heard this story are very touched by you and so am I.

“I have not been able to give Yongjie your teddy bear but as soon as she is released I would like to invite you to join me in giving it to her.

“I was told over 1,500 people in Cambridge have already signed the petition forms. I am so grateful to you all. I believe Yongjie could be released soon with the support of the UK Government and people like you.”

On Saturday Dr Xie and fellow campaigners were outside the Guildhall in Cambridge to perform a play about the plight of their friends and relatives.

It was written by local playwright, Tinch Minter.

She said: “They are literally performing for other people’s lives and it shows in the intensity of their dedication, enthusiasm and sharing. I have never worked with a group prepared to rehearse until 3am.”