Nobel Peace Prize Awarded to Liu Xiaobo - October 12, 2010

On October 12, 2010, the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Liu Xiaobo, a prominent Chinese literary critic, writer, and human rights activist. Liu was recognized for his long and non-violent struggle for fundamental human rights in China, highlighting his significant contributions to the promotion of democracy and human rights in the country.

Background

Liu Xiaobo was born on December 28, 1955, in Changchun, Jilin Province, China. He became a prominent figure during the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests, advocating for political reform and democracy. Following the crackdown on the protests, Liu was arrested and imprisoned for his involvement.

Liu continued his activism after his release, becoming a leading voice in the Chinese democracy movement. In 2008, he co-authored “Charter 08,” a manifesto calling for political reform, greater human rights, and the end of one-party rule in China. The document drew inspiration from Czechoslovakia’s Charter 77 and was signed by over 300 Chinese intellectuals and activists.

Arrest and Imprisonment

Shortly after the release of “Charter 08,” Liu Xiaobo was arrested by Chinese authorities. In December 2009, he was sentenced to 11 years in prison for “inciting subversion of state power,” a charge frequently used by the Chinese government to silence dissent.

Nobel Peace Prize Recognition

The decision to award Liu Xiaobo the Nobel Peace Prize in 2010 was met with international acclaim but also significant controversy. The Nobel Committee praised Liu for his “long and non-violent struggle for fundamental human rights in China,” emphasizing the importance of peaceful advocacy for change.

The Chinese government strongly condemned the award, calling it a violation of the Nobel Prize’s principles and a political move against China. They placed Liu’s wife, Liu Xia, under house arrest and restricted her communication with the outside world.

Aftermath and Legacy

Liu Xiaobo remained imprisoned until his death from liver cancer on July 13, 2017. Despite international calls for his release, the Chinese government refused to allow him to seek treatment abroad.

Liu’s legacy continues to inspire human rights activists worldwide. His dedication to non-violent protest and his unwavering commitment to democratic principles have left a lasting impact on the global human rights movement.

The awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Liu Xiaobo underscored the ongoing struggle for human rights in China and highlighted the international community’s support for those who advocate for freedom and democracy.