Liu Di (Traditional Chinese: 劉荻; Simplified Chinese: 刘荻; Pinyin: Liú Dí; born October 9, 1981) is a Chinese former university student and blogger who became known as a symbol for democracy and free speech in China following her detention in 2002. She wrote online under the screen name "Stainless Steel Rat" (不锈钢老鼠), a reference to the Harry Harrison science fiction character, often translated as "Stainless Steel Mouse."
Background
Liu Di graduated with a degree in psychology from Beijing Normal University. While still a student, she gained attention for blogging with satirical commentary on politically sensitive topics, including the restriction of online speech in China.
Detention and Release
In November 2002, Liu Di was arrested on the campus of Beijing University. The reasons cited for her detention were satirizing the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) online and calling for the release of other cyber-dissidents. She was held for approximately one year, reportedly at Beijing's Qincheng prison, without being formally charged. Her case drew international attention from human rights organizations, including Reporters Without Borders and Front Line Defenders. She was released on November 28, 2003.
Later Activities
After her release, Liu Di resumed writing and was among the early signatories of Charter 08, a 2008 manifesto calling for political reform in China. In May 2014, she attended a private seminar on the events of 1989. Several days later, she was taken into custody and subjected to interrogations. She was released on bail in June 2014.
