Chinese Activists Gather at Consulate Demanding Release of Missing Lawyer
Geng He, the wife of lawyer Gao Zhisheng, conveyed her heartfelt appreciation to those advocating for her husband.
On April 20, a significant gathering took place in front of the Chinese Consulate in San Francisco, where dozens called upon the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to promptly release the renowned political prisoner, Gao Zhisheng.
This date marked the eighth birthday Gao has experienced since his disappearance in 2017.
In his career as a lawyer, Gao worked tirelessly to defend the rights of minority groups often persecuted by the CCP, including Christians and Falun Gong practitioners. He has also penned open letters to senior CCP officials expressing grave concerns over human rights violations.
In 2006, Gao was convicted on charges of “subversion.” Over the ensuing years, he faced multiple abductions, imprisonment, and torture at the hands of CCP authorities. He was placed under house arrest in 2014 and ultimately vanished from his home in 2017.
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Since Gao was forcibly taken on August 13, 2017, no updates have emerged regarding his whereabouts, and his family has remained in the dark.
The atmosphere at the San Francisco event was both somber and warm, coinciding with a celebration of Gao’s 61st birthday.
Participants held placards stating “Happy Birthday Gao Zhisheng” and “Free Gao Zhisheng Now,” while recording video messages in honor of the lawyer.
Letter From Gao’s Wife
The event commenced with a public letter from Gao’s wife, Geng He, read by event host Li Haifeng, who leads the China Democratic and Human Rights Alliance.
In her letter, Geng expressed: “Today is April 20, 2025—my husband Gao Zhisheng’s 61st birthday. This should be a time for family, yet it is shrouded in unending pain and longing. I haven’t seen him in 16 years. It’s been seven years, eight months, and seven days since I last heard his voice. I don’t even know if he is alive or dead. For 19 years, he has known no true freedom. As his wife, I escaped to the United States 16 years ago to protect our children. Since that day, we have lived in separation, bearing unimaginable torment.”
Geng extended her thanks to those who have advocated for her husband.
“Please do not forget Gao Zhisheng,” she implored.
“Do not forget the bravery and principle he embodies. Keep calling for his release, ensuring his name remains known.
“To the Chinese communist government, I assert this: You may strip Gao Zhisheng of his physical freedom, but you cannot extinguish his spirit or the affection we have for him. I implore you again—release Gao Zhisheng immediately. Disclose his whereabouts. Allow him to reunite with his family! A 61-year-old man, a husband and father who has sacrificed for justice, deserves to be free on his birthday, not in obscurity. He should be with his loved ones.”
She concluded the letter with a personal message for her husband: “My dear, if you can hear me from wherever you are, I want you to know that we love you. We are waiting for you. Wishing you peace on your birthday!”
Messages From Demonstrators
During the event, participants took turns recording messages to convey their respect and best wishes for Gao.
“Every Chinese person should always remember Gao Zhisheng’s sacrifices and commitment,” one participant remarked.
“Lawyer Gao, I hold you in high regard. Thank you for your contributions to China’s democratic movement,” another added.
“Stay strong, Lawyer Gao!” exclaimed another supporter.
Li, the event host, shared with The Epoch Times that these messages would be compiled into a video and sent to Geng as a demonstration of their support and concern.
“Although Lawyer Gao may not hear them, she can,” he noted. “Without Geng He’s steadfast backing, Gao Zhisheng may not have persevered this far.”
Li explained that the idea for the event stemmed from his personal experiences. In 2021, amid China’s stringent COVID lockdowns, Li found himself in the United States alone, uncertain of the future and unable to bring his wife with him. This separation afforded him a deeper understanding of the anguish Geng has experienced for years, living with uncertainty about her husband’s fate.
A Chinese immigrant named Yang shared his deep respect for Gao with The Epoch Times.
“Gao was once among the top lawyers in China. He could have enjoyed a secure life, yet he chose to give it all up to advocate for the Chinese populace, our nation, and society. He sought no material gain. His spirit serves as a lesson for all of us,” Yang said.
He recognized the painful journey Gao’s family endures and expressed hope that they “stay strong” until Gao regains his freedom.
Many young families attended the event. One participant, Qin, drove over an hour with his wife and 17-month-old son to be present. He mentioned that their family frequently engages in anti-CCP demonstrations.
“We do everything possible to support this cause. We want to showcase our yearning for and commitment to a free system,” he told The Epoch Times.
He recounted how his family’s land was seized by the CCP without compensation, which led three generations to petition in vain—only to face further persecution. His grandmother was branded an “anti-communist,” and both he and his father have undergone harassment and detention for their expressions and online posts.
“In China, anyone who speaks the truth faces suppression,” Qin stated.
He noted that he and his wife emigrated to the United States to escape such torment.
Zheng Yonghua, another attendee, expressed profound respect for Gao, believing that universal values such as freedom of speech and belief transcend any political affiliation. The CCP, he asserted, apprehended Gao due to his integrity and valor.
Zheng emphasized the regime’s brutal treatment of political prisoners. Many remain in secret detention or are tragically subjected to forced organ harvesting, much of which is concealed from the public eye, he claimed.
“Only when the CCP falls will the world uncover the truth,” he predicted.
Crystal Lu contributed to this report.
