Human Rights Always Finish Second To Profits

In June of 1989 the world watched in horror as the Chinese military crushed the student protests in Tienanmen square. The actual number of those killed and injured is unknown as estimates vary depending on the source. Reaction was swift and unified as the governments of the world condemned China for its complete disregard for its citizens lives. Student leaders were placed on wanted lists some escaped while others were either imprisoned or executed for their participation in those protests. Just as quickly western governments and corporations developed a case of profit before human rights amnesia as the saw increased market share and increased share value.

Through the years western governments have complained about China's human rights record but its just been nascent whinnying as the almighty (Dollar or Euro) and what that meant for major corporations and investment banks had a much higher priority.

When the Chancellor, George Osborne, and Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, hosted visiting Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang at a cosy dinner at Mansion House on Monday, it is a fair bet that the extra-judicial torture of the man formerly on China's official list of its 10 best lawyers was not among the topics discussed.

The details of what the Chinese police did to Gao Zhisheng during his mysterious 10-month disappearance would have ruined anyone's appetite.

The brilliant human rights lawyer, who had risen from an orphaned childhood in a cave dwelling to a starring role in Beijing's courts, defending citizens against land theft, censorship and religious intolerance, was beaten day and night, temporarily blinded and threatened with death.

His head was bound in a wet towel until he felt he was suffocating. He was told his children had suffered nervous breakdowns. During one week of abuse he was handcuffed, his mouth and eyes bound with tape and he was pistol-whipped for hours on end. Other things done to him were so grotesque he refused to divulge them.