Chen Guangcheng (born 12 November 1971) is a Chinese civil rights activist. He has worked on human rights issues in rural areas of the People's Republic of China. He was blind from an early age and self-taught himself about the law. He supports women's rights, land rights, and the welfare of the poor.
In April 2012, Chen escaped his house arrest and fled to the Embassy of the United States, Beijing. After negotiations with the Chinese government, he left the embassy for medical treatment in early May 2012, and it was reported that China would consider allowing him to travel to the United States to study.
On 19 May 2012, Chen, his wife, and his two children left to New York City.[1]
