In a distressing turn of events, the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders has raised urgent concerns surrounding Chinese journalist Zhang Zhan, now facing an imminent trial following her arbitrary detention and alleged ill-treatment. Once imprisoned for her brave reporting during the Covid-19 pandemic, she now finds herself targeted anew for supporting fellow human rights advocates. Prior to her detention, Ms Zhan was a prominent voice for human rights, literally silenced when her law licence was revoked as a consequence of her activism.
Set to appear before the Pudong New Area People’s Court in Shanghai, the date for Zhang’s trial remains undisclosed. Prosecutors aim to impose a draconian prison term of four to five years under the vague charge of “picking quarrels and provoking trouble.” The Observatory highlights that Zhang was released from a four-year sentence just last May, only to be re-arrested for aiding pro-democracy activist Zhang Pancheng, who has faced severe repression himself.
Since her detention in late 2024, Zhang’s health has deteriorated significantly, prompting her to undertake hunger strikes in protest against her circumstances. In response, authorities have subjected her to inhumane force-feeding practices, raising grave concerns about her well-being and compliance with international human rights standards. Though her lawyer has been able to meet her, there is evident external pressure preventing public disclosure regarding her case.
Zhang Zhan’s disappearance in May 2020 marked the beginning of her tumultuous fight for journalistic freedom. Following months of secrecy, she was sentenced for her dissenting views on the government’s pandemic response, a charge often wielded as a tool to quash opposition in China. Throughout her imprisonment, she has shown remarkable resilience against untold suffering, invoking both international protest and admiration as she continued to advocate against her condition.
The Observatory calls upon the international community to demand her immediate and unconditional release, citing her ongoing unjust treatment. They urge Chinese officials to ensure her health and safety, grant her adequate medical care, and cease all forms of harassment against human rights defenders and journalists, reaffirming the need for freedom of expression in the nation.
Zhang Zhan, a Chinese journalist and human rights defender, faces an imminent trial after being arbitrarily detained and mistreated as punishment for her activism. She has endured hunger strikes and force-feeding while in custody, prompting serious concerns for her health and well-being. The Observatory appeals for her immediate release and urges protection for all journalists and human rights activists in China.
Zhang Zhan’s precarious situation highlights the severe risks faced by journalists and activists in China. The Observatory’s call for her immediate release underlines the urgent need for international solidarity and support for those who bravely stand for human rights against oppressive regimes. The world is urged to speak out against such injustices and demand the protection of those fighting for fundamental freedoms.
Original Source: www.omct.org
