A refusal to leave Beijing on an enforced ‘vacation’ results in retaliation.

By Qian Lang for RFA Mandarin | Radio Free Asia

Summary

Prominent Chinese journalist, Gao Yu, known for her critical views of China’s Communist regime (CCP), found herself without any form of communication when police abruptly pulled her access to landline, mobile phone, and internet services on Monday.

According to an update posted to Gao’s X account on Aug. 26: “This morning the police cut off my broadband, landline, and mobile phone, cutting off every form of communication.

“I’m 80 years old, and I can’t even call 120 [for emergency medical care],” she said, adding: “I’m writing this tweet from a restaurant.”

Speaking to Radio Free Asia, Gao said her communication services were cut off in retaliation for her refusal to comply with a police request to leave Beijing ahead of a politically sensitive event (the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in September). Her inability to communicate freely and the arbitrary disruption to her services are clear violations of her rights, especially considering her previous convictions and restrictions. [See: Chinese journalist Gao Yu jailed for leaking secrets].

Despite Gao’s attempts to contact local police stations, officials denied any knowledge of the incident. However, a visit from state security police restored her access to the emergency number 120, although they claimed not to know anything about the disconnection of her services.

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