A Letter of Thanks to Friends at International PEN

November 28, 2004

Beijing

Dear PEN friends:

I am so glad to learn that I have been inducted into several PEN Centers as an Honorary Member. This is such an honor and it is the best gift since I have been in jail for twelve and half years. This is an encouragement to as well as confirmation of my unremittingly fight for freedom and democracy these years.

Because my involvement in the founding the Liberal Democratic Party of China and calling for freedom of expression and promoting democracy in China, I was arrested on May 27, 1992 and sentenced to15 years imprisonment. I have given up neither fight for freedom and democracy, nor efforts to learn while in prison. I had been studying political science and law by myself and passed the examinations on twelve law courses in China’s higher education self-learning system in prison. I have also read many works by famous political science scholars all over the world. I believe that prison can only confine ones body, but cannot deprive ones thoughts. When ones body cannot move freely, one may have more time for the thoughts about the meaning of life, ones missions, and the democracy problems in China. The twelve and half year imprisonment neither destroyed my hope, nor stopped my fight for liberty and democracy. On the contrary, it strengthened my longing for knowledge, disciplined my thoughts, gave me more time to practice my writing, and provided me with many materials for writing. And best of all, it made me many good friends.

While I was in the jail, many international organizations presented me with various awards, which, needless to say, helped me endure the hardship there. I have been grateful to these awards and encouragements. Soon after I regained my freedom, I learned the great news of my induction into the PEN Centers as an honorary member. I feel greatly honored and moved. I will never let my friends down. I will continue my fight as always and take steps forward.

Thanks again!

Sincerely Yours,

LIU Jingsheng

Late updated: November 29, 2004