Jailed dissident lawyers and rights activists continue to challenge grave circumstances.

By William Yang | Voice of America

Summary

A court in Suzhou, China, has sentenced human rights lawyer Yu Wensheng and his wife, Xu Yan, to prison. Yu received a three-year sentence, while Xu, who has already been detained for over 18 months, could be released in January. They were arrested in April 2023 while attempting to meet with European officials visiting China and later charged with “picking quarrels and provoking trouble” and “inciting subversion of state power.”

Meanwhile, jailed dissident Xu Zhiyong began a hunger strike in July to protest mistreatment, including constant monitoring and denial of family contact. He has been required to obtain permission for basic needs (such as bathroom use) and has been forced to work in prison, as well as deprived of phone calls and letters to his family. Rights advocates say police have also harassed Xu’s family. Xu’s health is reportedly deteriorating, and the UN has expressed concern, urging China for his immediate release. The U.S. State Department also called for the release of Xu and fellow lawyer Ding Jiaxi, citing their support for fundamental freedoms. U.S. Ambassador Nicholas Burns expressed concern over Xu’s hunger strike, urging China to treat him with dignity.

Another lawyer, Xie Yang, has refused to attend court proceedings until his lawyer can access his case files, joining Xu in pushing for better treatment and more attention to their cases.

Human rights lawyer Lu Siwei was arrested earlier this month in Sichuan province on charges of “illegally crossing the border.” His wife, Zhang Chunxiao, living in the U.S., expressed fears for his health and potential mistreatment in prison. The U.S. State Department has condemned Lu’s forced repatriation and called for his freedom of movement and fair trial rights to be respected.

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Further Reading

709: Nine Years On