On the afternoon of November 23, several democratic activists and human rights advocates gathered at the San Jose City Hall Plaza to show support for democracy warrior Tan Binglin, who was detained by the Chinese Communist Party for his activism, and called for his immediate release.
The event, organized by the San Francisco branch of the Chinese Democracy and Human Rights Alliance, highlighted Tan Binglin’s years-long advocacy for the “three frees” (free healthcare, free education, free eldercare) and his arrest for speaking out in support of human rights journalist Zhang Zhan and against mandatory vaccination during the pandemic. Participants unanimously agreed that his courage to speak the truth under high pressure makes him a true hero.
Organizer and head of the San Francisco branch, Li Haifeng, stated, “Tan Binglin speaks up for our parents, children, and for all of us. He has paid a heavy price, and we must not forget him.” The hope is that the voices from overseas can reach his family and let them know that there are people continually advocating for him even after his release.
Attendee Wang Man emphasized that the awareness of civil rights in China has long been suppressed, urging overseas Chinese to start by caring for their families, friends, and society, promoting more people to “awaken.” Democratic Party member Li Shuqing pointed out that Tan Binglin, as a warrior who speaks out amidst fear, represents all Chinese people, and that it is essential for others to speak up for him.
Independent individual Yuan Qiang spoke about the structural crisis in China’s healthcare, education, and eldercare systems highlighted by the “three frees” demand, especially the dire situation in rural healthcare where “one person falling ill leads the whole family back into poverty” is not uncommon. He mentioned that while many people support Tan Binglin in their hearts, only he had the bravery to take a stand when no one else dared to.
Li Tao expressed that most Chinese people hesitate to resist unfairness, but Tan Binglin’s bravery in holding up signs and opposing mandatory vaccinations demonstrates his solitary yet sober courage. Chinese Democratic Party member Ma Xiangping believed in the power of international support and urged more people to step forward, igniting a spark that could lead to a wildfire of change.
Zhao Yu stated that true courage lies in “speaking the truth in unsafe places,” paying tribute to all those who speak up for freedom and human rights.
One of the event organizers, Zhang Yong, stressed the importance of overseas support in bringing the names of conscience offenders into public spaces, stating that “as long as there are traces on the internet, the Chinese Communist Party will not dare to act completely recklessly.” Another organizer, Hui Rutao, cited the significant number of disappeared persons in China in recent years, questioning systemic persecution and organ harvesting by the Chinese Communist Party. Attendees collectively shouted “Down with the CCP!”
Guan Yongjie reminded that many overseas Chinese are still trapped in information bubbles, making it challenging to access the truth. He emphasized the need to ponder on how to reveal the truth to more people, not just within China but also among Chinese residing abroad.
At the end of the event, the organizers initiated the “one dollar per person” campaign to raise living expenses for the mother of conscience prisoner Niuteng Yu, and urged continuous attention to the latest crisis of the Hong Kong legislature being suppressed. ◇