Chen Guangcheng, one of China’s best-known dissidents, has escaped from house arrest and is reportedly under American protectionat the U.S. embassy in Beijing. Chen released a YouTube video addressed to Premier Wen Jiabao from an undisclosed location, though supporters say he’s safe in Beijing. Chen, a blind activist who campaigned against forced abortions and has been under house arrest since September 2010, called attention to the brutal treatment of his family members and the corrupt Chinese government.
