Chinese Dissident

* On April 1, Wei Jingsheng was rearrested by seven carloads of Chinese security agents for continuing to speak out about the need for democracy in China. Chinese officials advise that he is “living at home under surveillance,” when, in fact, he is being held incommunicado at an unknown location.

After having served 14 1/2 years of a 15-year sentence, mostly in solitary confinement, for calling for true democracy in China, Wei was released last September and immediately resumed his advocacy of the necessity for democracy.

I feel that it is essential that we as Americans defend Wei Jingsheng’s right of free speech . . . and not solely because it is the bedrock of Western ideology. As Wei pointed out in his trial in October of 1979, Article 45 of the Chinese Constitution asserts that citizens “have the right to speak out freely, air their views fully.”

In addition, Article 19 of the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights provides, “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression.” As a founder and a member of its Security Council, China should certainly abide by its declarations.

Wei Jingsheng’s courage and commitment to a cause in which he fervently believes is an inspiration to people throughout the world. His battle against repression is one that affects us all.

If we believe in democracy and free speech, it is essential that each of usdo what we can to encourage our government to press for the release of Wei Jingsheng.

ALAN L. GLEITSMAN

Malibu