Human Lives Human Rights: The Suzhou Intermediate People’s Court has rejected the appeal of prominent human rights lawyer Yu Wensheng, who remains imprisoned under a three-year sentence for the vague charge of “inciting subversion of state power.” This decision underscores a pervasive fear among Chinese authorities regarding dissent and the vital role of human rights defenders.
Yu Wensheng’s case, along with that of his wife, activist Xu Yan—who received a one year and nine months sentence for the same dubious charges—highlights the absence of legitimate grounds for their imprisonment. Human rights observers assert that these charges are entirely unfounded, arising from the couple’s brave advocacy and their commitment to freedom of expression.
The Chinese government has branded Yu as a threat to national security based on his outspoken online comments and his recognition from international human rights organizations. Such labeling reveals a troubling pattern in Beijing’s approach—an atmosphere of fear that targets those courageous enough to speak out against injustice.
Both Yu Wensheng and Xu Yan are victims of an oppressive system that punishes individuals for exercising their fundamental rights. Their immediate and unconditional release is imperative to uphold the principles of freedom and justice.
Background
On January 6, 2025, the judiciary upheld Yu’s three-year sentence despite calls for justice. His wife, Xu Yan, is expected to be released in January 2025 after serving her term. The couple, well-respected activists known for their dedication to human rights, were taken into custody on April 13, 2023, while en route to meet with a European Union delegation in Beijing.
Initially charged with “picking quarrels and provoking trouble,” their situation escalated when new, more severe allegations of “inciting subversion” were levied against them in late 2023. Their transfer to the Suzhou Detention Centre, located over 1000 kilometers away from their hometown, has only added to their family’s distress.
Reports indicate that Xu has suffered significant weight loss during her detention and endured poor living conditions that could amount to torture. She has faced verbal abuse and threats from police, including intimidation aimed at her son, who turned 18 just before her and Yu’s arrest. The psychological toll on their son has been severe, particularly with the growing distance and isolation from his incarcerated parents.
Yu Wensheng is not new to the legal system’s harsh treatment; he was previously sentenced to four years in prison in 2020 for similarly unfounded charges stemming from his fundamental right to express dissent. His health has deteriorated significantly due to the conditions and treatment he has faced behind bars.
Throughout this ordeal, Xu Yan has demonstrated remarkable resilience, tirelessly advocating for her husband’s release despite facing harassment, surveillance, and threats from authorities. She has continually been obstructed in her efforts to reach Yu, illustrating the risks faced by families of human rights defenders in China.
Yu Wensheng was honored with the 2021 Martin Ennals Award, a respected recognition celebrating the efforts of human rights advocates around the globe. His ongoing plight, along with that of Xu Yan, serves as a painful reminder of the challenges faced by defenders of human rights in China. The urgent call for their release remains a beacon for justice and human dignity in a landscape overshadowed by oppression.
