'Blind Chinese activist who fled house arrest now in protection of US Embassy in Beijing'

Beijing, Apr 28 (ANI): Blind Chinese activist Chen Guangcheng who evaded about 100 guards to escape from a six-year detention is now safe at the US embassy in Beijing, his friend and fellow activist Hu Jia has confirmed.

After more than six years of jail and house arrest, Chen had reportedly fled from his well-gaurded village, evading eight checkpoints and close to 100 guards who had been watching his home in the Shandong province, China.

"It is my understanding that Chen is in the safest place in China. That is the US embassy," The Guardian quoted Hu, as saying.

"I would say the fact that he successfully escaped is a miracle. It's like a real Chinese version of The Shawshank Redemption. I heard he got through eight security checks," he added.

If his presence at the US Embassy is confirmed, the incident could hamper US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, and treasury secretary, Timothy Geithner's visit to Beijing next week.

It would be the second case this year of a high-profile figure seeking refuge at a US diplomatic office in China. In February, Chongqing police chief Wang Lijun, of the Bo Xilai sex scandal had fled to the US consulate in Chengdu, fearing for his life after he tried to investigate the incidents which led to the death of British businessman Neil Heywood. (ANI)

null