 Gao Zhisheng , once recognized as one of China 's ten most promising lawyers , was an advocate for a range of disenfranchised individuals and minorities . In 2006 , after he wrote a series of letters to the Chinese leadership concerning the torture of Falun Gong adherents , Gao had his legal license revoked and his law firm was shut down . His family was placed under house arrest , and he was detained for six months . Gao was sentenced , with a five @-@ year reprieve , to four years in prison . He has been the subject of several prolonged disappearances into custody , during which he has reportedly been tortured . 
