Lu Guang, a US permanent resident and Chinese national arrived in Urumqi, Xinjiang on October 23, where he was meeting local photographers. According to VOA, Lu’s last contact with his family was on November 3. A few days later his wife learned that he was in custody by local authorities.
No official statement on Lu’s whereabouts or detention has been released by authorities.
Lu Guang has won the World Press Photo award three times, in 2004, 2011 and 2015. His work focuses on social and environmental issues in China and he had been invited to Xinjiang to give guidance on photography.
The IFJ said: “The government must immediately guarantee the safety and whereabouts of Lu Guang, and allow him to return to the US. The ongoing restrictions for journalists in China must end and the government needs to make assurances for the free movement of journalists across China,”