The Krasnals. Whielki Krasnal "Obituary of the dissident Liu Xiaobo / Coffin portrait". 2010. Oil on canvas. 33 x 43 cm
Liu Xiaobo is a Chinese intellectual, writer, and human rights activist and a political prisoner in China.
During his 4th prison term, he was awarded the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize, for "his long and non-violent struggle for fundamental human rights in China.
Upon hearing about Liu's nomination for the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize, the Chinese foreign ministry warned the Nobel committee not to give Liu the prize, as they said that it would be against Nobel principles. On 8 October 2010 the Nobel Committee awarded Liu the Prize "for his long and non-violent struggle for fundamental human rights in China". The Norwegian Nobel Committee president Thorbjørn Jagland said the choice of Liu as the recipient of the prize had become clear early on in the process.
A banquet to honor Liu Xiaobo for winning the Nobel Peace Prize by 20 plus Chinese netizens, human right lawyers, and academics was abruptly broken up by Beijing police. Other meetings to commemorate the award were prevented by authorities; prominent intellectuals and other dissidents were detained, harassed or put under surveillance.
There were messages of congratulations from the world’s leaders, who called on China to reform its political, legal systems and its constitution and to release Liu. President Ma Ying-jeou of the Republic of China, He also urges Beijing government to free Liu Xiaobo and put forward political reform. European Commission president José Manuel Barroso, The British Foreign Secretary William Hague, U.S. President Barack Obama, and the Dalai Lama were among those who praised the decision, and called for Liu's release.
There was also solidarity with the Chinese view by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.
Following the announcement of the Nobel Peace Prize, Liu's wife, Liu Xia, was placed under house arrest. According to Freedom Now, she has not been charged with any offence.
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