Chinese Dissident Detained by South Korea After Sea Escape
Dong Guangping is a 68-year-old Chinese dissident and former police officer. He fled China in a rubber boat and was found at sea.
Fishermen spotted him off South Korea's west coast. His engine broke down near the coast of Taean in South Korea.
The fishermen told authorities about the boat. South Korean coastguard detained him on Monday evening.
The journey took more than 30 hours by sea. He left from Weihai in China's Shandong province.
This was his fourth attempt to escape China. He has been jailed in China for opposing the Communist regime.
He had previously fled to Thailand and Vietnam. Both times he was sent back to China.
He was once granted asylum in Canada. Rights groups and his lawyer are urging South Korea not to send him back to China.
Klear Note — China sends back people who flee the country. Rights groups worry about safety for returned dissidents. South Korea must decide whether to grant asylum or return him.
Key Terms 3
- Dissident A person who openly opposes their government's rules or beliefs
- Asylum Official protection given by a country to someone fleeing danger
- Repatriate To send someone back to their home country against their will