A Beijing filmmaker who was working on a documentary of underground churches in China remains unaccounted for after being taken into police custody.
Since Feb. 22, bloggers associated with the independent filming community have noted the disappearance of Wu Hao, whose whereabouts remain unknown. His sister, Wu Na, told the Associate Press that she has since then demanded his release and that the authorities have not given reasons for detaining him.
One week after Wu Hao vanished, Beijing Public Security Bureau officials informed Wu Na that her brother was placed under investigation and could not see a lawyer – also warning her not to contact the media.
Editing equipment and several tapes were later confiscated from Wu Hao’s apartment on Feb. 24, according to a statement released by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). Wu Hao, a ten-year resident in the United States at one point, devoted himself to making documentaries in China in 2004, says CPJ.
"My brother has the right to defend himself," Wu Na said AP Friday, according to AP. "As his relative, I have the right to know the truth. I hope they will act according to law. I want them to give me a clear answer."
Earlier this week, Hu’s wife, Zeng Jinyan, urged the international community to call for her husband’s release at a press conference.
Wu Hao was reportedly arrested after meeting two times with activist lawyer, Gao Zhiseng, whom had staged a hunger strike campaign since Feb. 6.
Amongst the groups who have called for Wu Hao’s release include media watchdogs Reporters Without Borders and the Committee to Protect Journalists.
