Blind activist escapes from house arrest

Blind legal activist Chen Guangcheng, who has been deprived of his freedom for years for campaigning against forced abortions, has fled house arrest. There is speculation he has taken refuge at the US embassy in Beijing.

Chen’s escape came just days before China and the United States hold their annual strategic and economic dialogue in Beijing.

In a video posted online yesterday, Chen confirmed his escape and appealed to Premier Wen Jiabao for the protection of his family. “Dear Premier Wen, it wasn’t easy but I finally got out,” Chen said from an unknown location, in front of a window with curtains closed.

Activists said Chen was dramatically spirited away from his home in Shandong by supporters who picked him up on Sunday. “He is 100 per cent safe in Beijing,” said Bob Fu, president of China Aid, a Christian rights organisation which has been in touch with Chen’s…