According to his lawyer, attorney Mo Shaoping quoted in the New York Times, "[t]he process of the trial [was] totally illegal, because during the investigation of the case, no lawyer was allowed to be present or offer evidence or help Gao Zhisheng." Although Court officials told [him] it would be an open trial, no one was allowed to attend."

Gao's attorneys have cautioned against taking seriously the Chinese authorities statements about the matter, including reports that Gao has openly acknowledged his guilt. As anyone familiar with the Chinese system knows, if Gao had agreed to cooperate with his "captors," he would now be a free man.

Human Rights Law Foundation ("HRLF") takes seriously the persecution of human rights defenders and rights advocates in China and, in support thereof, makes the following pledge:

All of those who are implicated in the illegal arrest, trial and sentence of Gao, as principals, aiders, abettors, or co-conspirators, are subject to criminal prosecution for their crimes under international law, Chinese law, and the laws of most democratic nations around the world. HRLF has issued a global alert to locate them, and to have them extradited to stand trial for their crimes.

Finally, to all kind hearted people of the world, please stand firm on this issue and inform your government of the importance of their support for the immediate release of Gao, the return of his law license and the cessation of the persecution of underground Christians, Falun Gong, and rights defenders in China forthwith.

Mr Gao was represented by court-appointed lawyers assigned after the court said he had refused any legal representation.

But Mr Mo said neither he nor Mr Gao’s family were allowed to attend the proceedings.

“Court officials told me it would be an open trial, but no-one was allowed to attend.

“Not allowing lawyers to meet with Gao Zhisheng is a violation of legal rules and illegally deprives him of his legal rights,” he added.

His family say they have been denied permission to see him since he was detained.

His clients have included members of the banned spiritual organisation Falun Gong, members of an underground church, and those who complain they have lost land to the authorities.

On January 17, 2006, according to an Epoch Times report, Mr. Gao escaped an assassination attempt allegedly ordered by the Chinese government. The attempted car crash plot came in the wake of the release of Mr. Gao's research reports on the prosecution of Falun Gong in mainland China, and his subsequent resignation of CCP membership.

On August 15, 2006, Mr. Gao was illegally arrested by the Chinese secret police and has lost contact since. Mr Gao’s arrest was one of several involving human rights lawyers and activists in recent months, and is believed to be part of a wider crackdown in China on human rights campaigners.

.

PLEASE SEND APPEALS IMMEDIATELY.