The U.S. State Department mourns the death of Fang Lizhi: he was a pioneer in human rights and democratic reform (picture)

The U.S. State Department mourns the death of Fang Lizhi: he was a pioneer in human rights and democratic reform (picture) Voice of America The U.S. government on Monday expressed its condolences on the news of the death of the famous Chinese dissident Fang Lizhi...

The U.S. government on Monday expressed its condolences on the news of the death of the famous Chinese dissident Fang Lizhi. The U.S. State Department said that Fang Lizhi is a pioneer in China's human rights and democratic reforms. Some Chinese media reported that Fang Lizhi's farewell ceremony is initially scheduled to be held this Saturday.

At the beginning of her regular briefing on the 9th, U.S. State Department spokeswoman Nuland expressed condolences over the news of Fang Lizhi’s passing.

Newland said: "We are saddened by the news of the death of Chinese democratic rights defender and astrophysicist Fang Lizhi. He was a pioneer in China's human rights and democratic reforms, and we express our condolences to his family."

Fang Lizhi, who lived in the United States, died suddenly at home on April 6 at the age of 76. The University of Arizona, where he taught, issued a statement saying that Fang Lizhi's death was a huge loss. The University of Arizona also commended Fang Lizhi for his extraordinary courage and belief.

Video screenshot State Council Spokesperson Nuland

The Dalai Lama sent a letter to Fang Lizhi’s widow Li Shuxian to express his condolences. The Dalai Lama said in the letter that Fang Lizhi firmly believed that the pursuit of truth requires democracy and freedom of speech. Fang Lizhi used great courage to spare no effort to teach this simple truth to his compatriots, especially China's young people.

Chinese pro-democracy activists in exile are planning to hold memorial rallies and online condolences for Fang Lizhi. Chinese media reported that Fang Lizhi’s farewell ceremony is initially scheduled to be held on the 14th in Tucson, Arizona.