Hu Jia has a wife, Zeng Jinyan - last November the 34 year old couple had a daughter. The family has been subject to house arrest, surveillance and intimidation for many months.
Hu Jia was detained on 27 December 2007 and whilst awaiting trial, he was denied access to his lawyers, his family and necessary medical treatment. Zeng Jinyan and the couple's new-born daughter are still under house arrest, and have had their phone line and internet connection cut.
Hu Jia has been blogging and contributing articles to HIV/AIDS websites, now blocked by China's firewall. Last November Hu Jia took part in an internet conference with the European Union Human Rights Council in Brussels. He is a supporter of democracy and human rights and suggests that "If there is no human dignity or human rights, then there can be no real Olympics. For the sake of China and for the sake of the Olympics, defend human rights". He is not advocating violence or any uprising, simply expressing the same views as millions around the world.
The charges against Hu Jia and others in recent months are indicative of China's recent crackdowns and complete lack of transparency. Vague terminology, closed trials, denied access to lawyers are all common place for individuals in China who attempt to stand up for human rights.
In February this year, China's foreign minister, Yang Jiechi announced, "No one will get arrested because he said that human rights are more important than the Olympics. This is impossible." Tell that to Hu Jia and his family.
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