Letter: Writers fight for Chinese prisoner

MAY I correct the impression given by Captain Moonlight ('Left to rot in jail for being too ordinary', 21 February) that Ren Wanding, the Chinese political prisoner, has 'no influential patrons abroad' to fight for his release. He was adopted an honorary member of English PEN (a world association of writers) soon after he received his seven-year sentence in 1990. We and other PEN centres have protested to Premier Li Peng. We have written to Ren Wanding and sent books.

In view of the release of a number of political prisoners and writers in the last few weeks, a telegram signed by a number of our vice-presidents has been sent urging his release.

Frances Spalding

International PEN

London SW3