A/HRC/13/40/Add.1 position to summarize in English the content of the Government’s response in the present report. However, a copy of the original response letter is available online at the following address: www2.ohchr.org/english/issues/religion/docs/response261009china.pdf. (c) Observations by the Special Rapporteur 56. The Special Rapporteur is grateful that the Government of China replied to the communication of 5 August 2009 and hopes to be able to make observations on the response in the next report. 7. (a) Urgent appeal sent on 28 August 2009 jointly with the Vice-Chairperson Rapporteur of the Working Group on arbitrary detention, the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, and Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment Allegations transmitted to the Government 57. The Special Procedures mandate holders brought to the attention of the Government information they had received regarding Mr. Wang Yonghang, a former lawyer from Dalian City, Liaoning Province. On 4 July 2009, Mr. Wang Yonghang was arrested by two dozen Dalian police officers for “using a cult to damage the social and legal system”. He was severely beaten during his arrest, resulting in the breaking of his right ankle. He did not receive adequate medical treatment until 11 August 2009, when he had surgery as a result of a serious infection in his ankle. The police did not notify Mr. Wang’s family about the operation. However, on the same day, Mr. Wang’s family was provided with his arrest warrant, dated 10 August 2009. 58. Mr. Wang Yonghang is currently being detained at Dalian City Detention Center, where he has allegedly been subjected to more beatings. His family and lawyer have not been able to see him, because his case allegedly involves “state secrets”. His family has repeatedly complained to the relevant authorities about Mr. Wang Yonghang’s ill-treatment, but has not received any response. Mr. Wang Yonghang’s license to practice law was not renewed following his annual review period on 31 May 2008. Mr. Wang Yonghang has also published several open letters online in which he advocated for religious freedom and explained his views on the treatment of Falun Gong practitioners. Concern is expressed that Mr. Wang Yonghang’s detention may be related to his work as a defence lawyer for Falun Gong practitioners. In light of above allegations of denial of adequate medical treatment and of beatings, further concern is expressed for Mr. Wang’s physical and psychological integrity. (b) Response from the Government dated 26 October 2009 59. On 26 October 2009, the Government of China replied to the joint urgent appeal of 28 August 2009. Since the Special Rapporteur had not received the response’s translation from the relevant services at the time this report was finalized, she is unfortunately not in a position to summarize in English the content of the Government’s response in the present report. However, a copy of the original response letter is available online at the following address: www2.ohchr.org/english/issues/religion/docs/response261009china.pdf. (c) Observations by the Special Rapporteur 60. The Special Rapporteur is grateful that the Government of China replied to the joint urgent appeal of 28 August 2009 and hopes to be able to make observations on the response in the next report. 18