Two elderly women who were sentenced to a year in a labour camp after applying to use the Olympic protest zones, have thanked the international community and media for their support.

Wu Dianyuan (79) and Wang Xiuying (77), whose sentences were revoked on 29 August following an international outcry, released a letter of thanks through the group Human Rights in China.

The women, who are neighbours, were sentenced to "Re-education Through Labour" on August 17, for what was called disturbing public order.

Deep gratitude

The women write that the genuine concern shown by the international media gave them "enormous comfort and moral support, and further strengthened our resolve to defend our personal rights according to law."

The rescinding of the sentence was a mark of progress and a victory for civilization, they say.

" … We hereby give our deep gratitude to the international community and media for their concern for our case and for the human rights situation in China. We will continue to defend rights. Even though our RTL order was rescinded, we care even more deeply about the petitioners who have been sentenced to RTL and others whose rights were violated in different manners.

" We sincerely hope that the international community and media continue to pay attention to human rights in China. Let us join our hands in our efforts to usher in the era of rights for the Chinese people …"

Protest zones unused

Wu Dianyuan and Wang Xiuying's homes were demolished seven years ago and they wanted to protest because they hadn't received any compensation. They repeatedly applied for permission to demonstrate in one of the three official Olympic protest zones during the Games.

To date Chinese authorities haven't granted anyone permission to use the protest zones.