Zhang Zhan, a 42 -year -old Chinese citizen, was sentenced to four years in prison, the rights and activists reported. Zhang, which previously served a four-year term for reporting on the early focus of Covid-19 in Wuhan, was detained in August 2024 for charging the “selection of quarrel and evoke problems”, which is often used to suppress disagreement.
Background and previous detention
Zhang first gained international attention in 2020 when she traveled to Wuhan, the Epicentre of the Covid-19-19, and recorded videos emphasizing chaos in hospitals and government treatment of pandemia. She was arrested in May 2020, sentenced to four years in prison, and went to a hungry strike during which the authorities forced it on the basis of the stomach tube. Zhang was released in May 2024, but three months later the detail was again.
The latest attempt and condemnation
Zhang’s last court proceedings were reportedly held in Shanghai on Friday, although the authorities outside the court refused to confirm this proceedings. European and North American diplomats trying to observe the court have been denied entry and laughing paper problems. RSF activist and British activist Jane Wang reported convictions on social media platforms.
The last case is reportedly stemming from the contributions of Zhang to overseas social media regarding the violation of human rights of China. The authorities did not publicly state her alleged crimes.
International reaction
Groups of rights condemned the sentence. Aleksandra Bielakowska, RSF Asia-Pacific Advocacy Manager, said: “Zhang Zhan sacrificed everything to reveal the abuse and violation of human rights by the Chinese regime.
Beh Lih Yi, the director of Asia-Pacifik for the Committee to protect journalists, called the “unfounded” accusation and urged Beijing to immediately release it.
The context of the freedom of the press
China has the largest prison population for journalists in the world, while at least 124 media workers are detained. Earth ranks 178. Place out of 180 in 2025 RSF World Press Freedom Index.
Zhang’s convictions come a week after China passed a law that intended to speed up public health intelligence, allowing citizens to circumvent hierarchical structures in the case of extraordinary events – they act as emphasizing the government’s treatment with independent reporters.
(With AFP, Reuters inputs)
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