Beijing (AsiaNews / CHRD) - Three human rights activists in Fujian have been arrested for "false accusations": during interrogations were tortured and are likely to face 10 years in prison. Fan Yanqiong, Wu and Hauying You Jingyou, very active on the Internet, were imprisoned between the end of June and early July. Their arrest is due to the fact that they published online articles that highlighted the efforts of local authorities to cover up criminal acts related to the death of a girl, Yan Xiaoling.

According to these articles (quoting the testimony of the mother), the 25 year old girl from Mingqing County, was used by a gang and raped by eight men, before she died. Her death is linked to the existence of a brothel, run by the police. The police claim that the girl died of a pregnancy gone wrong, and have arrested the authors of the articles.

The three activists were formally arrested on July 31, but had been taken to prison June 26 and July 5. If found guilty of "false accusations", they are likely to face at least 10 years in prison.

According to the China Human Rights Defenders, the two women, Fan and Wu, have suffered humiliation and violence during this period. A Fan, 48, was not allowed to go to the toilet and was thus forced to soil herself; Wu instead was tied to a chair and handcuffed for questioning, which lasted at least 30 hours. Fan is also suffering from kidney and heart problems. She is well known in Fujian because for years she has supported petitions, denounced complaints and corruption and defended violated rights. Because of this she is targeted by both the police and by local gangs, who often operate in symbiosis.

Wu is also active in offering her support and legal assistance to those who suffer injustice

You, a railway engineer, is implicated in many human rights cases and is committed to seeking economic and material support for many activists.