Since September 2016, OPOPO Magazine and numerous media organizations worldwide have reported on the case of Wendell Brown, the former college and CFL football player unjustly jailed in Chongqing, China since 2016 for defending himself against multiple attackers in a bar fight.
When Will Justice Come for Wendell Brown?
After a trial in July of last year and now being detained for more than 20 months, the court has finally rendered their verdict yesterday. It is saddening and sickening to report that Wendell Brown has been handed down a heavy-handed sentence of 4 years. One small solace is that he will be credited for the nearly two years he’s already served.
(Photo: Matt Liston)
Those familiar with the case are in disbelief as the evidence was overwhelmingly in his favor; the surveillance video showed he was not the aggressor, and the judge even stated that Wendell acted in self-defense. However, this was still not sufficient to secure his release.
Still, despite this devastating development, Wendell remains overwhelmingly positive and focused on his eventual release. It’s been reported that conversations directly after the disappointing verdict was shared, left supporters feeling encouraged by Wendell’s wise words. At time of printing, countless individuals behind the scenes are stepping up efforts to intervene and return him to US soil.
Family, friends, and supporters of Wendell Brown rally for his release in Washington, DC. (Photo: Antoinette Brown)
So what can be done in the meantime while awaiting his eventual release?
More than ever, Wendell Brown needs to feel our presence in support of him. Here are a few ways to get involved:
1) Write a letter of support directly to Wendell via the US Consunlate. Letters written to him via email are delivered once a month and is currently the fastest way to send and recceive correspondence.
AmcitChengdu@state.gov
2) Send encouraging books. He is known for his strong Christian faith and love of sports, so these are both great starting points. Keep in mind all books will be closely screened before delivery, so ensure only appropriate content is sent. Books can be sent to the address below. If shipped domestically, please include address in Chinese. Books should be included with a note indicating they are for Wendell Brown.
US Consulate General Chengdu
American Citizen Services
No. 4 Lingshiguan Road
Chengdu, Sichuan, China 610041
美國公民服務局
美國駐成都總領事館
610041四川省成都市領事館路4號
3) Join the #BringHomeWendellBrown social media campaign. All you need to do is post a picture to social media of you holding the #BringHomeWendell Brown poster. Link to the website behind the campain here: https://www.mattliston.org/wendell-brown/
(Photo: Matt Liston)
4) Contribute to the Go Fund Me page. Currently, the site has raised $16,803 of a $25,000 goal. Funds raised will go toward his legal fees and other necessary expenses to bring him home. Copy and paste the following link or click "read more" for more info.
https://www.gofundme.com/help-bringwendellbrownhomefromchina
5) Contribute to Wendell’s commissary fund. Small contributions add up and no amount is too small. Parties interested in donating may contact OPOPO Magazine via our official account for more information and to be put in touch with the party responsible.
While having your freedom taken away and being forced to live in jail is no reality an innocent man should face, these kind gestures will go quite a ways in helping to alleviate the anguish of having justice delayed. We eagerly await the day that justice will be served for our friend and brother, Wendell Brown.
Wendell Brown pictured with his young son. (Photo: Antoinette Brown)
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