Recently, Christian Bale tried to visit the home and pro-life activist, Chen Guangcheng. Chen has been jailed for his efforts to document forced abortions of women in China. He was released, however he is under house arrest. Some reports state some of the charges may be trumped up.
Christian was roughed up by Chinese security guards who hold Chen under lockdown. Christian was inspired by Chen, and wanted to "shake his hand." Christian could not understand why the Chinese security guards would prevent him from seeing Chen, however, it is clear from China's human rights abuses why they would not allow such a thing.
This should be no surprise to anyone who follows China, that they have little respect for the human person. They have their own version of Gulags, and frequently lock up "dissidents" like Catholic bishops.
His Visit Will Not Go Unheard
Frequently the person under house arrest will hear of the attempted visit, and will take heart from it. Isolation is a big problem for the persecuted. To think that no one knows your plight can cause depression. This was the case with Nelson Mandela, who was allowed visitors only once every six months (Nelson Mandela, Memoirs).
For trying to visit a pro-life activist, Christian Bale showed civic heroism, though he has denied this. China is not your friendly neighborhood. It is far from it. So despite his protests, he demonstrated civic virtue in his visit, even if he may have been a bit impatient at times...but so have many.
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