Liu Xiaobo

Liu Xiaobo
Liu Xiaobo in 2008
Born	(1955-12-28)December 28, 1955 Changchun, Jilin, China
Died	July 13, 2017(2017-07-13) (aged 61) Shenyang, Liaoning, China
Nationality	Chinese
Occupation(s)	Writer, literary critic, human rights activist
Known for	Charter 08, Nobel Peace Prize laureate

Liu Xiaobo (Chinese: 刘晓波; December 28, 1955 – July 13, 2017) was a Chinese writer, literary critic, and human rights activist who called for political reforms and was involved in campaigns to end communist one-party rule in China. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2010 while serving a prison sentence in China for "inciting subversion of state power."

Early Life and Education

Liu Xiaobo was born in Changchun, Jilin Province, China. He pursued higher education at Jilin University and later at Beijing Normal University, where he earned a Ph.D. in literature. Liu's academic work focused on literary criticism, and he became a prominent figure in Chinese intellectual circles during the 1980s.

Activism and Imprisonment

Liu Xiaobo became actively involved in the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989, where he played a significant role in negotiating a peaceful retreat of students. Following the crackdown, Liu was arrested and spent two years in prison.

In the years following his release, Liu continued to advocate for human rights and political reform in China. He was a key figure in drafting Charter 08, a manifesto calling for democratic reforms, which was published in 2008. The Chinese government arrested Liu in December 2008, and he was sentenced to 11 years in prison for "inciting subversion of state power."

Nobel Peace Prize

In 2010, Liu Xiaobo was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize "for his long and non-violent struggle for fundamental human rights in China." The award was highly controversial and led to diplomatic tensions between China and several Western countries. Liu was unable to attend the Nobel ceremony in Oslo, and his absence was symbolized by an empty chair.

Death

Liu Xiaobo was diagnosed with liver cancer in May 2017 while still imprisoned. Despite international calls for his release on humanitarian grounds, he remained under custody until his death on July 13, 2017, in a hospital in Shenyang, Liaoning Province.

Legacy

Liu Xiaobo's legacy is marked by his unwavering commitment to human rights and democracy in China. His writings and activism continue to inspire human rights advocates worldwide. Liu's life and work have been the subject of numerous books and documentaries, highlighting his role as a symbol of resistance against authoritarianism.

Also see

• Charter 08
• Tiananmen Square protests of 1989
• Nobel Peace Prize
• Human rights in China
• Chinese dissidents