Gao Zhisheng, often referred to as “China’s Conscience,” is a Chinese human rights lawyer who has long been known for defending vulnerable groups and challenging local authorities on sensitive issues. Over the years, his activism has led to severe repercussions, including the loss of his law license, imprisonment, and, ultimately, his disappearance in August 2017 while under house arrest. As the seventh anniversary of his disappearance approaches, concerns about his safety and whereabouts remain unresolved.
One of the bravest lawyers on earth
Born in 1964 in Jiaxian County, Yulin City, Shaanxi Province, Gao Zhisheng has dedicated his career to defending the rights of vulnerable groups and representing individuals in lawsuits against local governments in China. His unwavering commitment to justice has resulted in severe persecution from the authorities, earning him the moniker “China’s Conscience.”
Gao has fearlessly taken on cases considered sensitive by the authorities, including those involving Falun Gong practitioners, underground Christians, grassroots farmers, and private entrepreneurs embroiled in disputes with officials. Since late 2004, he has repeatedly written to top Chinese mainland government leaders, demanding changes in the illegal treatment of Falun Gong and other groups. He has also participated in investigations into allegations of live organ harvesting of Falun Gong practitioners by the authorities.
David Kilgour, former Secretary of State, Asia-Pacific, in Canada, described Gao Zhisheng as “a combination of Mandela and Gandhi” and “one of the bravest lawyers on earth.” Gao’s courage and dedication earned him three Nobel Peace Prize nominations.
Personal convictions and consequences
In November 2005, Gao embraced Christianity and, together with his wife, publicly announced their withdrawal from the Communist Party. This bold move, coupled with his continued advocacy, led to severe repercussions.
In August 2006, Gao Zhisheng’s license to practice law was revoked. By December of the same year, he was sentenced to three years in prison and five years of probation for “inciting subversion of state power.”
On August 7, 2014, Gao was released after serving three years of wrongful imprisonment and was placed under strict surveillance, effectively denying him true freedom.
A voice from confinement
Despite the restrictions, Gao Zhisheng managed to secretly write a book titled 2017, Rise Up China, which was published in 2016. This autobiography recounts his experiences of being kidnapped, imprisoned, and tortured by the Chinese Communist Party, as well as his spiritual revelations. In the book, Gao predicts the defeat of the Chinese Communist Party and presents his vision for building a democratic and modern China.
In August 2017, during his house arrest, Gao Zhisheng disappeared. His whereabouts remain unknown to this day.
A plea for information
On August 11, 2024, on the eve of the 7th anniversary of Gao’s disappearance, Zhou Feng, a Chinese Icelandic resident, approached the Chinese Consulate with a simple yet powerful appeal: to confirm whether Gao is still alive. “I don’t ask you to release him, nor do I expect you to give him freedom. I just hope you can tell me whether he is still alive,” Zhou pleaded.
In an interview with The Epoch Times, Zhou expressed the anguish felt by many: “Gao has been missing for seven years, and seven years is a long time for his family to experience endless suffering! Lawyer Gao once bravely spoke truthfully about the rule of law and human rights in China, which shook countless people’s hearts. Now, we don’t know where he is or whether he is still alive.”
Zhou emphasized the fundamental human right to information about a person’s well-being: “A person’s whereabouts or if they are still alive should not be a state secret! We have the right to know; we have the responsibility to know! We cannot let such heroes be forgotten, and we cannot let them disappear silently and be buried in the dust of history!”
He concluded with a powerful statement: “Gao Zhisheng’s name represents China’s conscience and courage. Let us work together to prevent such heartfelt courage from being swallowed up by the darkness.”
As the world marks another year since Gao Zhisheng’s disappearance, the call for information about his fate grows stronger. His case remains a poignant reminder of China’s ongoing struggle for human rights and the rule of law.
Translated by: Chua BC, edited by Maria
Follow us on X, Facebook, or Pinterest
