Human Lives Human Rights: Five years after a severe crackdown on human rights defenders in China, activists detained for attending a private social gathering in 2019 must be released, advocates urge.
In December 2019, multiple human rights activists gathered in Xiamen to discuss pressing social issues. Shortly after their meeting, the Chinese government forcibly disappeared prominent lawyer Ding Jiaxi and legal scholar Xu Zhiyong, who were later confirmed to be in custody. This incident reflects the broader strategy of the Chinese authorities to suppress civil society and harshly punish peaceful advocates for human rights.
At least five additional activists linked to the gathering were also detained, with all seven reportedly held under “residential surveillance at a designated location” (RSDL), a form of secret detention that heightens the risk of torture and mistreatment. Over the past five years, Ding, Xu, and their counterparts have faced arbitrary detention, torture, and unjust trials solely for discussing civil society and current affairs.
After closed trials, Xu Zhiyong received a 14-year sentence, while Ding Jiaxi was handed a 12-year sentence for “subverting state power.” In October 2024, Xu began a hunger strike to protest the mistreatment he faced in prison.
“The ongoing imprisonment of Xu Zhiyong and Ding Jiaxi is a severe injustice, and the global community must increase pressure on the Chinese government to rectify this situation and ensure their release,” stated Sarah Brooks, a human rights advocate.
There have been calls for Ding and Xu’s immediate release, along with an appeal for the government to stop punishing all who attended the Xiamen gathering. Despite multiple recommendations for their release from international officials, including UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, meaningful action from the Chinese authorities has been lacking.
The harsh penalties imposed on Xu and Ding are perceived as a deterrent against those who advocate for human rights in China. Despite this, their families continue to champion their cause with resolve and conviction. Sophie Luo, wife of Ding Jiaxi, affirmed, “Attending a private gathering is not against any law, and these citizens should be free.”
Support networks, both within China and abroad, are collecting messages and prayers for Xu, demonstrating resilience against governmental censorship and potential retaliation.
Prominent figures in the New Citizens’ Movement, Xu and Ding have both faced previous incarcerations due to their activism, fighting for government transparency and anti-corruption measures. Following their 2023 convictions, both men have pursued appeals, and as of November 2023, the Shandong Provincial High Court upheld their sentences. They are now seeking a subsequent appeal.
In prison, Xu and Ding have been stripped of basic rights, including access to reading materials and communication with family. After Xu’s hunger strike, he was briefly allowed a meeting with his lawyer, but these restrictions continue as they face ongoing threats and harassment from authorities.
The crackdown has negatively impacted other activists associated with the Xiamen gathering, resulting in various prison sentences and ongoing travel bans for those released.
The international community must stand firm in condemning the Chinese government’s severe crackdown on civil society and take decisive action to support the release of Xu Zhiyong, Ding Jiaxi, and their fellow activists.
