With years of house arrest and weeks at the center of a diplomatic uproar behind him, human rights activist Chen Guangcheng spoke in New York Thursday about how he plans to use his new freedom.
For the last seven years, "I've been isolated from the rest of the world," Chen said in a talk titled "What's Next for Chen Guangcheng" hosted by the Council on Foreign Relations in Manhattan. "I need to replenish my knowledge."
Now a special student at NYU's U.S.-Asia Law Institute, Chen said he plans to focus his legal studies on the role of law in society, differences between U.S. law and Chinese law, and laws designed to protect the disabled.
He also said he plans to study English and, between his various pursuits, take some overdue downtime.
"The last seven years I haven't had a weekend. Both from my body and my mental health, I need some rest."
In the hour-long discussion, Chen spoke repeatedly of what he deems to be Chinese government officials' growing disregard for the rule of law -- especially on the local level.... Source/Origin >> Read More
