The U.S., Germany, and France have jointly called for the release of Chinese lawyer Yu Wensheng and his wife Xu Yan, sentenced to prison for alleged subversion. The couple’s sentences reflect ongoing repression of human rights advocates in China, with escalating concerns for their family’s well-being, especially their son’s deteriorating mental health since their confinement.
The United States, Germany, and France are urging China to release Yu Wensheng, a human rights lawyer, and his wife Xu Yan, both recently sentenced to prison for alleged subversion. A Suzhou court handed Yu a three-year detention sentence, while Xu received one year and nine months for inciting subversion of state power. U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated that these sentences exemplify China’s ongoing efforts to suppress voices advocating for human rights and the rule of law.
This call for action comes in the wake of China’s patently stringent measures against human rights advocates. Yu Wensheng stood out as a fierce defender during a notable crackdown on lawyers in 2015, where many rights defenders faced arrest, and he previously served a four-year sentence for subversion. His wife, Xu Yan, has persistently championed his cause even while facing her own imprisonment. Their detainment has raised concerns, particularly regarding their son’s declining mental health since their arrest.
The international plea from the U.S., Germany, and France spotlights the dire situation for human rights advocates in China. Yu Wensheng and Xu Yan’s sentences underscore a broader strategy to silence dissent in the country. As global powers advocate for their release, attention is drawn to the profound ramifications for their family, particularly their son, amid a backdrop of escalating repression.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
