A mainland lawyer has said he has withdrawn from representing human rights lawyer Wang Quanzhang as he lost three teeth in a fall during his morning exercise routine.
Wang has been detained for over three years without trial following a wide-reaching clampdown on lawyers and activists. The “709 crackdown” began in July 2015.
Wang was charged with inciting subversion of state power in February last year, but he had not been heard from until July this year.
His wife, Li Wenzu, has been campaigning for his release. In a message posted on Sunday, she said her husband’s lawyer – Liu Weiguo – had withdrawn from the case.
Liu was the only one who said he had seen Wang during his detention. He confirmed in July that Wang was still alive.
Liu said he was authorised to take on Wang’s case on July 12, according to the message shared by Li.
‘Long-term treatment’
Liu said he broke three teeth on August 20 during a morning exercise routine and required long-term treatment.
He said he cannot speak normally with lost teeth: “Practically, I am unable to perform the duty of defence.”
709王全璋案件最新情况 pic.twitter.com/2sBBCRmEK9
— 李文足（王全璋妻子） (@709liwenzu) October 21, 2018
He said he has told the court and Wang’s family of his situation.
“I also declare to all sectors of society: I now formally withdraw from representing Wang Quanzhang,” Liu said in a message relayed by Li.
今天上午，李文足去最高法控告，被阻不得进入。门口惊现一戴白色口罩自称党员的人，跟法警态度亲密。被李文足质问后闪离现场。套用李文足话：最高法拦着我这家庭主妇不让递交督促函，怎么体现依法治国？ pic.twitter.com/rsiAEYOwYA
— 王峭岭 (@709wangqiaoling) October 15, 2018
Last Monday, Li went to China’s highest court intending to hand in a petition letter, but she was blocked from entering.
Wang’s case has raised international concern. German Chancellor Angela Merkel and British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt met with Li Wenzu in May and July respectively.
【International Lobbying: Remember Them, the China Human Rights Lawyers】@chrlcg chairman Albert Ho and boardmember Emily Lau have attended the UPR pre-session on China today. We are calling for immediate release and stop all forms of torture towards human rights lawyers. pic.twitter.com/I7VSwPjZmu
— 中國維權律師關注組 China Human Rights Lawyers Concern Group (@chrlcg) October 9, 2018
Earlier this month, a group of Hong Kong activists also spoke of Wang’s case at a United Nations conference on human rights abuses in China.
