URGENT ACTION
singer-songwriter activist sentenced 
Activist Xu Lin was sentenced to three years in prison for “picking quarrels and provoking trouble” on 7 December 2018. The singer-songwriter has composed and published songs online about his democratic aspirations and critical of the government for various injustices. He has decided to maintain his innocence. 
Xu Lin was placed under criminal detention on 29 September 2017 and formally charged with “picking quarrels and provoking trouble” on 2 November 2017. More than a year later, the Guangzhou City Nansha District People’s Court has found Xu Lin guilty and sentenced him to three years in prison. When delivering its decision, the court said that Xu Lin had caused serious public disorder by repeatedly posting false information online that insulted the national leaders of China.
During one of the meetings with his family-appointed lawyer, Xu Lin said that he was prepared to be jailed as he felt he would have little chance of defending himself against a criminal charge that is ridiculous in itself. He then went on to explicitly request that no more campaigning work be done on his behalf. 
Amnesty International continues to monitor Xu Lin’s situation and will respond to any developments as appropriate. However, to respect his wishes we are no longer asking activists to take action on his case. 
No further action is requested from the UA network. Many thanks to all who sent appeals. 

This is the second update of UA 245/17. Further information: www.amnesty.org/en/documents/asa17/7414/2017/en/

Further information on UA 245/17 Index: ASA 17/9579/2018 Issue Date: 14 December 2018