WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Today, U.S. Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Chris Coons (D-DE), Co-Chairs of the Senate Human Rights Caucus, released the following joint statement in response to the death of Chinese dissident and recipient of the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize Liu Xiaobo: 

“As chairs of the Senate Human Rights Caucus, we mourn the passing of Nobel Peace laureate Liu Xiaobo, who dedicated his life to advancing democracy in China through non-violence. We also call on the Chinese government to end the house arrest of Liu Xiaobo’s wife, Liu Xia, and to ensure her freedom of movement. We are reminded that in his final statement before being sentenced to 11 years in jail, Mr. Liu stated: ‘I, filled with optimism, look forward to the advent of a future free China. For there is no force that can put an end to the human quest for freedom, and China will in the end become a nation ruled by law, where human rights reign supreme.’ In his passing, Mr. Liu’s legacy continues to inspire us to challenge oppression and to stand up for the fundamental rights of all people.”

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