Chinese Lawyer Wang Yu Hospitalized After Hunger Strike
Wang Yu, a Chinese human rights lawyer, was hospitalized after a nine-day hunger strike worsened her health. She began the strike while detained, protesting against the authorities’ refusal to let her meet her lawyer and family, and denying her medical care. Wang was released from Weicheng County Detention Center on November 1 after being detained for “disrupting public order.” Her husband, Bao Longjun, took her to the hospital, where doctors found a “shadow” on her liver. Wang and Bao are now planning her medical treatment.
Background of the Incident
Wang’s detention followed a confrontation with police outside a courthouse in Hebei province on October 23. She and fellow lawyer Jiang Tianyong were there to defend a client. The altercation began when police confiscated a camera from a family member. Bao Longjun submitted a legal opinion during Wang’s hunger strike, but authorities refused it. He plans to appeal her sentence and seek further medical consultations.
Related Developments
Another rights lawyer, Qin Yongpei, was released after a five-year sentence for “incitement to subvert state power.” His wife cited pressure from authorities when declining to comment. U.S.-based lawyer Wu Shaoping stated Qin’s actions were lawful, despite his disbarment.
Doubts Revealed
Wang Yu -: Wang Yu is a Chinese human rights lawyer known for defending people who have been treated unfairly by the government. She often takes on cases that involve protecting people’s rights.
Hunger Strike -: A hunger strike is when someone refuses to eat food to protest against something they believe is wrong. Wang Yu went on a hunger strike to protest against not being allowed to meet her lawyer and family.
Hebei -: Hebei is a province in China. It is a region where Wang Yu had a confrontation with the police, leading to her detention.
Shadow on liver -: A ‘shadow’ on the liver is a term doctors use when they see something unusual on a scan of the liver. It might mean there is a problem that needs further medical attention.
Bao Longjun -: Bao Longjun is Wang Yu’s husband. He is also involved in human rights work and helped take Wang Yu to the hospital after her hunger strike.
Qin Yongpei -: Qin Yongpei is another lawyer in China who was released after serving a five-year sentence. Like Wang Yu, he is involved in defending human rights.
