Information on this specific subject could not be found among the sources currently available to the DIRB in Ottawa. However, attached please find several press reports mentioning hospitals in Beijing, Shijiazhuang (Heibei) and Xi'an, where some prominent political dissidents have been admitted for medical treatment. One BBC report states that a dissident was sent to a "reform-through-labour" hospital (BBC Summary 18 Nov. 1992). Another BBC report describes a case where a dissident was put under the strict surveillance of Public Security Bureau personnel during his stay at hospital (ibid. 19 May 1994).

This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find attached the list of sources consulted in researching this information request.

BBC Summary of World Broadcasts. 19 May 1994. "Dissident Chen Ziming Said 'Resting' in Hebei Until After 4th June." (NEXIS)

. 18 November 1992. "Chinese Dissident Bao Zunxin in Hospital." (NEXIS)

The Associated Press (AP). 14 June 1993. AM cycle. "Chinese Dissident Moved from Prison to Hospital." (NEXIS)

BBC Summary of World Broadcasts. 19 May 1994. "Dissident Chen Ziming Said 'Resting' in Hebei Until After 4th June." (NEXIS)

. 18 November 1992. "Chinese Dissident Bao Zunxin in Hospital." (NEXIS)

Chicago Tribune. 19 February 1993. Final Edition. "China Releases Dissident Suffering Heart Trouble." (NEXIS)

Amnesty International Report. Yearly.

Australian Journal of Chinese Affairs [Canberra]. Quarterly.

Country Reports on Human Rights Practices. Yearly.

Critique: Review of the Department of State's Country Reports on Human Rights Practices. Yearly.

Inside Mainland China [Taiwan]. Monthly.

News From Asia Watch [New York]. Monthly.