The Guardian has posted a translation, by Human Rights Watch, of a letter written by activist Hu Jia, who is currently in jail in Beijing. The letter was written last September with lawyer Teng Biao when Hu was under house arrest:
When you come to the Olympic Games in Beijing, you will see skyscrapers, spacious streets, modern stadiums and enthusiastic people. You will see the truth, but not the whole truth, just as you see only the tip of an iceberg. You may not know that the flowers, smiles, harmony and prosperity are built on a base of grievances, tears, imprisonment, torture and blood.
We are going to tell you the truth about China. We believe that for anyone who wishes to avoid a disgraceful Olympics, knowing the truth is the first step.
