Wife and two children of prominent rights lawyer Gao Zhisheng arrived in the United States 11 March 2009 from Thailand where they were granted UN refugee status, says Radio Free Asia. The family left Beijing Jan 9 and traveled nonstop together with friends. They group successfully eluded police and arrived Thailand on Jan 16. They fled China because of the long-term government harassment and surveillance that makes it impossible for a normal life. Their 16-year-old daughter has attempted suicide. Lawyer Gao Zhizheng, a Christian, has openly criticized the Chinese regime for its persecution of Falun Gong. As a result he was imprisoned and tortured. His wife believed that the Chinese authorities arrested him again as of Feb 4, 2009.
Source: Epoch Times, March 12 and 13, 2009
http://epochtimes.com/gb/9/3/12/n2459537.htm
http://epochtimes.com/gb/9/3/13/n2460476.htm