Sophia Huang Xueqin, a leading figure in China’s #MeToo movement, has been sentenced to five years in prison for “subversion against the state,” with labour activist Wang Jianbing receiving a three-and-a-half-year sentence.
The verdicts were handed down nearly ten months after their trial, which was held behind closed doors.
Huang, known for her investigative work on sexual abuse and gender discrimination, was detained in 2021 while en route to the UK for a government-sponsored scholarship. Supporters claim their arrests stem from hosting forums on social issues, and both activists endured lengthy solitary confinement in secret locations before their trial commenced in September 2023.
The harsh sentences have drawn international condemnation, with Amnesty International labeling the convictions as “malicious and totally groundless.” The organisation’s China Director, Sarah Brooks, argued that the Chinese government is fearful of the rising wave of activists advocating for labour and women’s rights.
Despite the oppressive measures, campaigners like Free Huang Xueqin and Wang Jianbing maintain that the activists’ contributions to civil society will not be forgotten, and predict more individuals will continue their efforts against injustice.
Public reaction in China remains divided, reflecting the contentious nature of feminist and social activism within the country.
#MeToo activist Sophia Huang Xueqin and labour activist Wang Jianbing have been sentenced to prison solely for exercising their right to freedom of expression. They must be immediately and unconditionally released. https://t.co/0swcL2ag5f
— amnestypress (@amnestypress) June 14, 2024
Well go to the UK, USA or Australia and face similar treatment for exercising free speech, journalism, whistle-blowing, etc…..
Authoritarianism is on the rise and not exclusively in China….
What about Julian Assange rotting away in his ” majesty” high security prison ??
And all French ” dissidents” or ” revisionists” forced to live abroad facing otherwise prison sentences for ” endangering state security ” ?? Totally ignored by western MSM as were they dead.
Perhaps probation would’ve been more appropriate.
And what about Ali Mau…. and Rose McGowan? She was the one that started it all!
https://www.ukcolumn.org/video/political-prisoner-denied-access-to-his-children-with-laura-towler
So called british ” democratie”