ABSTRACT
Fang Lizhi is a leading expert in astrophysics and cosmology, but alongside his academic work he has throughout his life taken a strong interest in more philosophical and political issues. His first serious brush with the Chinese authorities came in 1957 during the anti-rightist movement, when he was criticized for advocating reform of China's educational system and was expelled from the Party. He strongly defends the idea that human rights are universal, and is highly critical of any references to China's unique characteristics when it comes to the implementation of human rights. In January 1989, Fang wrote an open letter to Deng Xiaoping, in which he called for the release of Wei Jingsheng. The letter created something of a stir and inspired other intellectuals and scientists to follow suit with open letters in support. Although Fang and his wife Li Shuxian did not take active part in the 1989 democracy movement, they were later singled out as masterminds behind it.
