Tasting freedom: Liu Xia regains her health as she settles into new life in Germany
The artist and widow of Nobel laureate Liu Xiaobo is supported by friends and allies who fought for her release
The health of Liu Xia, the 57-year-old artist and widow of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Liu Xiaobo, has significantly improved nearly a month after she arrived in Germany following her release from almost eight years of house arrest in China.
“The strength of her medicines has been reduced. She can now handle walking up to 3km a day – this was virtually impossible last month,” said her younger brother, Liu Hui, who is not allowed to leave China after he was sentenced to 11 years’ jail for fraud in 2013 and later released on parole.
Liu Hui said his sister was still undergoing detailed physical examinations but that her emotional and physical health had improved since arriving in Berlin on July 10.
“She is liking the weather, but it still takes time for her to adjust to the German diet,” he said. “But overall, her life has stabilised.”
Liu Xia has deliberately stayed out of the media spotlight since she arrived in Berlin, initially because of her health but also out of concern for her brother in China. After moving to a flat near friends, her daily routine now revolves around reading books, meeting friends and exercising.
“I do plan on visiting her, but I will still have to fight for it in the time to come,” said Liu Hui, who can travel only within China.
