Switzerland recognises the leading role of Liu Xiaobo as a prominent human rights defender and his tireless commitment to democracy and tolerance in China, for which in 2010 he received the Nobel Peace Prize.
Switzerland regrets that Liu's peaceful use of the right to freedom of expression resulted in a prison sentence for "undermining state power" and that his family was denied access to him during all the years of his imprisonment.
We call on the Chinese government to allow a reverent treatment of Liu Xiaobo's body and to grant his wife, Liu Xia, the free choice over his funeral and burial. In addition, Switzerland urges the Chinese government to guarantee Liu Xia her fundamental rights, in particular her freedom of movement.
