Chen Guangcheng, the blind Chinese human rights lawyer held for the past 19 months under house arrest, has escaped and fled to Beijing, where he is being sheltered in a “100 per cent safe location”, according to activists in contact with him.
The move drew a quick response from Chinese authorities who detained at least two of Mr Chen’s relatives and an activist who helped him escape, according to a human rights group. His wife was also beaten by the people who were supposed to be guarding him, the rights group said.
Mr Chen’s escape could turn into a major international incident amid reports, which the US State Department refused to comment on, that he had entered the US embassy in Beijing on Thursday and been given refuge.