BEIJING (AP) — Memorials are planned in Hong Kong and Germany to commemorate the first anniversary of Chinese Nobel Peace laureate Liu Xiaobo's death in custody.

Friday marks one year since Liu died of liver cancer while serving an 11-year prison sentence for inciting subversion. But his widow Liu Xia will be noticeably absent from any public events.

After being held under de-facto house arrest for eight years, Liu was unexpectedly allowed to leave Beijing for Berlin on Tuesday following persistent international calls for her release.

Tienchi Martin-Liao, a Germany-based writer, said Liu was in "really good spirits" but will not be appearing publicly for "reasons that have nothing to do with her health." Rights groups have said that Liu will feel pressured to remain silent while her brother remains in China.