Discussion forum in Ottawa: Freedom of speech in China

Someone was kind enough to email us recently to let us know about a discussion forum being held in Ottawa this Friday. The event -- "Freedom of Speech in China: A Global Problem?" -- is organized by The Graduate School of Public and International Affairs at the University of Ottawa and Amnesty International Canada and will explore key issues related to freedom of speech, including the targeting of human rights defenders in China who speak out, internet censorship and privacy and the role for Canada and the international community.

Speakers include: Maggie Wenzhou Hou, a professor at the University of Ottawa on Human Rights in China and a Chinese human rights activist; Greg Walton from Citizen Lab, who will explore the issue of internet freedom and China; and Alex Neve, Secretary-General of Amnesty International Canada, who will provide the international context and the need for action from Canada.

The event is on March 12 from 7:30-9:30 p.m. at 1160 Desmarais Building, University of Ottawa, 55 Laurier Ave East. Cases of Chinese human rights defenders Gao Zhisheng, Liu Xiaobo and Zhou Li will be profiled.

You can download information here.

We would love to hear from anyone who is able to attend the event. Also, feel free to contact us if you hear of similar events, as we always appreciate people bringing such opportunities to our attention.