Chen Guangcheng, the blind Chinese human rights activist who is under siege by his government, called in to a special committee hearing about his situation Thursday.
According to a translator, Chen told members of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, “Thank all of you for your care and for your love.” He said he fears for his and his family’s well being and wants to come to the United States.
After the call ended, Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) said it “absolutely underscores why we’re here.”
Here is video of the hearing: