Chinese Government Targets Human Rights Lawyer Lu Siwei and Journalist Zhang Zhan
Chinese prosecutors are considering whether to jail human rights lawyer Lu Siwei and arrest citizen journalist Zhang Zhan. Human rights activists argue that these actions are part of a broader campaign by the Chinese government to silence dissenting voices.
Surveillance and Restrictions on Lu Siwei
Lu Siwei, a lawyer known for handling high-profile cases, is under heavy surveillance. His wife, Zhang Chunxiao, reported that since his release on bail, Chinese police have increased their monitoring and banned him from leaving Chengdu without prior approval. Lu is followed constantly, whether he is on the metro or in a taxi.
Last year, Lu attempted to flee China but was arrested by Laotian police despite having a valid US visa and Chinese passport. He was deported back to China. Yaqiu Wang from Freedom House believes Lu will likely be prosecuted, highlighting the high conviction rate in China.
Risks Faced by Zhang Zhan
Zhang Zhan was previously sentenced to four years in prison for reporting on the initial lockdown in Wuhan during the Covid-19 pandemic. She has been warned by Shanghai police that she could be arrested if she crosses certain ‘red lines.’ Zhang remains vigilant, aware of being followed, and has had her passport confiscated.
Official Statements
The Chinese Embassy in Washington stated that China respects international law and the law enforcement sovereignty of other countries. Liu Pengyu, the embassy’s spokesperson, denied any transnational repression.
Doubts Revealed
Chinese Government -: The Chinese Government is the group of people who make rules and decisions for the country of China.
Human Rights Lawyer -: A Human Rights Lawyer is a person who helps protect people’s basic rights and freedoms, like the right to speak freely and be treated fairly.
Lu Siwei -: Lu Siwei is a lawyer in China who helps people with their rights and freedoms.
Journalist -: A Journalist is someone who writes news stories and reports on events happening around the world.
Zhang Zhan -: Zhang Zhan is a journalist in China who reports on important news, like the lockdown in Wuhan.
Prosecutors -: Prosecutors are lawyers who try to prove that someone has broken the law and should be punished.
Jailing -: Jailing means putting someone in prison as a punishment for breaking the law.
Activists -: Activists are people who work hard to bring about social or political change, like making sure everyone is treated fairly.
Dissent -: Dissent means having a different opinion or disagreeing with the people in power.
Surveillance -: Surveillance means watching someone closely, often to see what they are doing.
Chengdu -: Chengdu is a big city in China where Lu Siwei lives.
Wuhan -: Wuhan is a city in China where the COVID-19 virus was first reported.
Lockdown -: Lockdown means people are not allowed to leave their homes or travel freely to stop the spread of a disease.
Chinese Embassy -: The Chinese Embassy is the office that represents China in other countries and helps with international relations.
Transnational Repression -: Transnational Repression means a country tries to control or punish people who are outside its borders.
International Law -: International Law is a set of rules that countries agree to follow to keep peace and fairness in the world.