Subject: Once Again, an Urgent Appeal Ahead of Your Visit to China — My Son's Life Is in Immediate Danger

Your Excellency,
Dr. Johann Wadephul
Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany

I am writing to you once again — this is my second appeal — with deep respect and profound urgency.

My name is Lyu Zhanqiu, born in China and now living in Germany as a recognized refugee. Germany saved my life, and for this I will always remain grateful.

While I have found safety, my 25-year-old son remains trapped in China, persecuted not for anything he has done, but simply because he is my son. His situation has worsened dramatically since my last appeal. He is in immediate danger — physically, psychologically, and existentially.

I beg your understanding and your attention as a father pleading for the life of his child.

A Young Man Punished for His Father's Actions

My son has never committed any crime. He is a gentle, educated, law-abiding young man. But because I exposed corruption in Shangqiu, Henan Province — through every legal channel available — the authorities retaliated against me and then extended their punishment to my family.

He has been placed under an exit ban with no legal basis.

In 2024, when he attempted to travel from Shanghai Pudong Airport to Thailand, he first learned that he was banned from leaving the country. He was told the reason was "subversion of state power", a charge he has never had any involvement with.

Local police later offered a contradictory explanation: "according to the requirements of the Ministry of Public Security", without citing any law.

He wakes up every day in fear.
He cannot work.
He has no income.
He cannot travel.
He cannot find safety.
He is sinking into despair, powerless and alone.
He is under extreme psychological pressure and could break down at any moment, crushed by the weight of this persecution.

Violence Against My Elderly Father and My Son

In 2023, shortly after I fled China, the retaliation escalated.

While I was in Medan, Indonesia, I felt a real and imminent danger, so I changed my flight and left ten days earlier, flying to Thailand.

Only six hours after my arrival, my nearly 80-year-old father in China was violently assaulted, breaking his arm, while my son's arm was bitten during the same attack. These were not random acts of violence — they were acts of intimidation and punishment.

Yet the officials responsible remain untouched.

Why I Appeal to You Once Again Before and During Your Visit to China

Your forthcoming visit to China represents a rare moment when your voice carries exceptional diplomatic weight.
I respectfully and urgently ask:

1. That you raise my son's case directly with the Chinese authorities.
2. That you request the immediate lifting of the unlawful exit ban.
3. That you urge an immediate end to surveillance, intimidation, and retaliation against my family.

Your Excellency, this is not a political matter for me — it is a life-or-death struggle for my child. Every day he remains in China, his psychological and physical condition deteriorates further. Without timely intervention, the consequences may become irreversible.

Germany saved my life. I now appeal with all my heart. Please help bring my son to safety before it is too late.

With the deepest respect and hope,

Lyu Zhanqiu
Recognized Refugee of the Federal Republic of Germany
Website: https://doourbest.org
Email: [email protected]