China dissident freed after 18 years in prison

Wei Jingsheng, first arrested in March 1979 during the crackdown on the Democracy Wall movement, suffers from heart problems, high blood pressure and other ailments made worse during his prison term.

After his arrival at Detroit Metropolitan Airport about 10:40 a.m. yesterday, the 47-year-old Wei was admitted to Henry Ford Hospital, hospital spokesperson Meg Leonard said.

Wei was in fair but stable condition last night, said Dr. Thomas Royer, Henry Ford chief medical officer. He was being treated for hypertension and being evaluated for other medical problems, but Royer didn't specify exactly for what.

"A lot of his problems aren't known yet," Leonard said.

Wei Jingsheng

Wei was taken to the hospital immediately after arriving in Detroit, Royer said.

"We're pleased Mr. Wei was able to walk into the hospital without assistance," he said. "We are conducting further tests, and in the meantime are assisting him in getting much-needed rest."

Royer declined to answer questions, saying the hospital was honoring Wei's request for privacy. Leonard said Wei could be released from the hospital as early as today.

Kenneth Lieberthal, a University political science professor and expert on China, said the recent summit between the presidents of China and the United States was a driving factor in Wei's release.

"This release is very welcomed," Lieberthal said. "It reflects the types of progress that can be made when both sides have an interest in dealing seriously with the concerns of the other."

But Lieberthal cautioned that Wei's release is likely more symbolic than substantive.

"Frankly, I see this as a small part of what should be the human rights discussion with China," he said. "This is important for some individual people, but it affects extremely few people in China.

"The more important issues are cooperation in the development of China's legal system, anti-poverty programs, and environmental programs that have a broad impact on China."

Siblings Wei Ling and Wei Xiaotao said in Beijing that their brother had been unable to get adequate treatment in a Chinese prison.

Since last year, Wei had been placed under 24-hour watch in a cell with two glass walls and a light that was never switched off, said his sister, Wei Ling.

"If Wei Jingsheng stayed in jail, he'd be in danger because he's in such bad shape," Liu Qing, a friend of Wei's who came to greet him at Detroit Metropolitan Airport, said through a translator.

Another sister, Wei Shanshan, 42, arrived at the airport from Germany last night to visit her brother.

"I'm very happy he's here and safe," she said through an interpreter as she walked through the airport carrying her 6-month-old child.

Daily Staff contributed to this report.

11-17-97