Jerome Cohen's video remarks for the opening of "Aboveground—40 Moments of Transformation” -- A photography exhibition of young feminist activism in China
Cohen says, "It's hypocritical to have Xi Jinxing and his wife speak out about women's rights (at the UN) after what they have done to many women activists and women lawyers in China, especially the Feminist Five, who although no longer are held in jail, but still under important constraints. Receiving "Qubao houshen," a bail arrangement, that requires them for one year to stay wherever they're located and to report regularly and to restrict what they say as well as what they do is really a disgrace to China. It's a restriction on freedom of expression and personal freedom that the Chinese government should cancel. I hope that seeing these wonderful photographs and in meeting together, we can gain further sustenance and support for continuing effort to support women's rights, women lawyers in china, human rights activities and the role of legal profession generally."