Chen Guangcheng (陈光诚) has dramatically escaped his illegal house arrest and has posted a video on Youtube calling on Premier Wen Jiabao to protect his family and investigate his case. His escape has reportedly angered local officials, who have taken swift and harsh retaliatory action. Reports indicate that at least four of Chen’s relatives have been detained, including his brother and nephew, and that at least one supporter believed to be involved in the escape has gone missing. The Committee to Support Chinese Lawyers calls upon Chinese authorities to ensure the safety of Chen and his family, to release his detained relatives, to investigate Chen’s case and punish those responsible for the extra-judicial punishment of Chen and his immediate family.

Chen, a blind self-taught legal activist, is internationally known both for his outspoken opposition to China’s one-child policy as well as the harsh reprisals he has endured for his work. His case has inspired many other Chinese activists (and even American actors), whose multiple attempts over his 19-month long house arrest have been widely publicized.  According to China Human Rights Defenders, Chen Guangcheng’s  older brother, Chen Guangfu (陈光福) ,and his son Chen Kegui (陈可贵) were taken into custody after an altercation with guards who broke into their home nearby after learning that Chen had escaped; while his cousin, Chen Guangcun (陈光存), and Chen Guangcun’s son, Chen Hua (陈华), have also been taken into custody. He Peirong (何培荣), a supporter, is currently missing and her whereabouts unknown, though report of her arrest remains unconfirmed.