A China More Just: My Fight As a Rights Lawyer in the World's Largest Communist State

by Gao Zhisheng

Attorney. Activist. Fearless. Faithful. The story of one man who has taken on the world's largest authoritarian regime... And, in the eyes of many, won. Born and raised in a cave with only the stars to tell time, Gao Zhisheng rose from poverty to become China's most important lawyer. He has courageously sought justice for vulnerable groups such as the poor, the disabled, and the persecuted. Yet Gao's fortitude has drawn the ire of Communist authorities. Today, physical threat and police surveillance are a constant reality for both Gao and his family. Undeterred, he has responded in the nonviolent tradition of Gandhi by launching nationwide hunger strikes to intensify the call for justice and human rights in China. His undaunted resolve and generous spirit have won the hearts of millions. Whispers can be heard in China's streets, Will Gao Zhisheng become the next president? Part memoir, part social commentary, part call to action, A China More Just is a penetrating account o

Genres: China, Chinese Literature

255 pages, Paperback

First published July 15, 2007

About the author

Gao Zhisheng is one of the most unyielding and iconic advocates for justice in China having been nominated twice for the Nobel Peace Prize (2008 and 2010). In response to Gao's legal defense of human rights activists and religious minorities and his documentation of human rights abuses in China, Gao has been disbarred, and harassed, imprisoned and tortured numerous times.

source: http://www.freegao.com/

Reviews

[Nicholas · Rating 4 out of 5]

With honesty and heart attorney Gao Zhisheng shares his experiences as a trial attorney and rights advocate in China. His wit and good humor make the book an enjoyable read. His insight into China's judicial system and analysis of China's communist rulers is of enormous value and weight. Why? Because of his vast experience as an attorney and advocate (which he shares in excellent anecdotes), but most importantly, because he is not afraid of how the ruling authorities respond to his criticism. At a time when China scholars consciously or unconsciously please the Communist regime, Gao boldly speaks the truth, for that he has faced harassment, monitoring, and imprisonment. China's rulers are afraid of the world knowing what attorney Gao has to say.

[Charlie Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

Outstanding book. I have so much respect for this man as a human rights supporter. Some parts were almost too unbearable to read. Unbelievable story of courage in the face of injustice and corruption. Would recommend to anyone. Can't thank the author enough for writing this.

[DaViD´82 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jako kniha strašné; vlezle napsané, nemístně vzletné a mnohdy naivní; Kao prostě neumí psát (nebo má sakra velkou smůlu na překladatele).

Jako svědectví o stavu Číny co se (ne)dodržování (nejen) lidských práv týče však nedocenitelné, zvlášť v pasážích kdy Kao nechá mluvit oběti. Hluboký respekt.

[Eunice · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing chronicle of life under communism in China for those who stand up for truth a justice. Gao Zhisheng went from a poverty-stricken child to the most prominent lawyer in China until he began to defend the Falun Gung and Christians. He has been in the news recently.

[Eleonora · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book should be on a reading list for Law students in the Western world. It's hard to imagine the extend of Gao's bravery and his unwavering commitment to upholding justice in an environment where this is just none.

[Malcolm Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for anyone interested in contemporary China.

[Dennis Henn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Gao Zhisheng is a political prisoner under house arrest in China. He is a lawyer who has worked for those persecuted by the state. He has released a journal to the international community. This strategy may have saved his life. The book is redundant, not real well written, but interesting in exposing what Zhisheng considers a dying state.