“He [Chen] had exposed a program of forced abortion and sterilization in Shandong,” Bale told attendees at a Human Rights First event. “A program of forced abortion means that women are being dragged from their homes against their will. They are being forced to have abortions, sometimes late-term – imagine that – with some women reportedly dying in the process.”
“This is true horror,” he added. “And, in this insane world, this man, Chen, who was helping these women – who was living by some of the most simple, brave and universally admired values – values we teach our children every day, and helping our fellow man – for this, this man was imprisoned and beaten for over four years.”
In December, 2011, when Chen was in China under house arrest, Bale tried to visit Chen in December 2011 when Chen was under house arrest, but he was attacked by thugs, which prevented him from visiting.
It’s very nice to see an actor whose work I love taking a really strong stand like this. I applaud him! What makes this even more praise worthy is that he is taking this stand for life in the face of serious danger. It is no small thing to be over in China showing support for this cause. There is definitely some peril involved for Bale.
No matter your political leanings, I doubt any of us would be okay with what China is doing. So let’s applaud Bale together.