Christina Fu, a Harvard Medical School researcher and the wife of a Harvard alum who has been detained in China for more than a year and a half, wrote to Harvard-based supporters urging them to sign a letter to Wen asking for her husband’s release.

Yang Jianli, a former Kennedy School graduate student and pro-democracy activist, was arrested for entering China under false documents in April 2002. He was tried this past August but has not been sentenced.

University spokesperson Joe Wrinn said that the Secret Service would work with local and Harvard University police to ensure the security of Wen’s visit.

“Security measures will be in place to make sure the prime minister can give his speech,” said Idema.

Initial plans slated Wen to speak in Sanders Theatre, the site of Jiang’s speech, but a scheduling conflict with morning classes forced the event to be moved across the River.