Why Was the Covid Whistleblower in China Sentenced to 4 More Years for Picking Quarrels?

Chinese citizen journalist Zhang Zhan has been sentenced to four years in prison a second time after being charged with 'picking quarrels and provoking trouble', a vague accusation frequently used by the Chinese government against its critics. This sentence follows her initial four-year imprisonment for reporting on the COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan, highlighting ongoing issues with press freedom and human rights in China.

Last updated: 07 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Zhang Zhan has been sentenced to an additional four years in prison for her activism.
• Her original sentence stemmed from her reporting on the COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan.
• The charge 'picking quarrels and provoking trouble' is commonly used against dissenters in China.
• Access to her trial was severely restricted, denying public and international observation.
• Human rights organisations have condemned her sentencing and called for her immediate release.
• China ranks near the bottom in global press freedom, with 121 media workers currently detained.

Background on Zhang Zhan

Zhang Zhan, a 42-year-old citizen journalist, first gained attention in early 2020 when she travelled to Wuhan to document the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through her videos and reports, she challenged the official narrative provided by the Chinese government, which was heavily criticised for its initial handling of the outbreak. This act of defiance led to her first arrest in May 2020, and she was subsequently sentenced to four years in prison in December of that year.

The Recent Sentencing

On 6 October 2023, Zhang was again sentenced to four years in prison during a trial that lasted four hours. Reports indicate that this trial was notably closed to the public, with only her parents allowed to attend. Friends and supporters, including diplomats and journalists, were barred from entering, a move that has raised concerns about transparency and fairness in the judicial process. The lack of public scrutiny during the trial has drawn criticism from various human rights advocates and organisations.

Charges Against Zhang

The charge of 'picking quarrels and provoking trouble' is a broadly defined offence that has been used by the Chinese government to suppress dissent and silence critics. It often targets individuals who speak out against government policies or expose human rights abuses. In Zhang's case, her reporting on the pandemic and questioning of government actions provided the basis for her arrest and subsequent convictions.

Human Rights Implications

Human rights organisations, including Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and Amnesty International, have condemned Zhang's sentencing as a violation of her rights. Aleksandra Bielakowska of RSF stated, “Zhang Zhan sacrificed everything to expose abuses and human rights violations by the Chinese regime.” Amnesty International’s China director Sarah Brooks echoed these sentiments, calling her conviction a betrayal of the rule of law as purported by the Chinese government.

Health Concerns and Treatment

Zhang Zhan's health has reportedly deteriorated significantly during her time in custody. In January 2023, she undertook a hunger strike, leading to severe health complications that required force-feeding through a gastric tube. This treatment raises serious ethical concerns regarding the treatment of political prisoners in China and highlights the risks faced by those who challenge the state.

The Wider Context of Press Freedom in China

China is known for its oppressive stance towards free journalism and expression. According to RSF, it ranks 178th out of 180 countries in the World Press Freedom Index, with only North Korea and Eritrea positioned lower. This ranking reflects a climate where journalists face significant risks, including detention, censorship, and violence for their work. Currently, at least 121 media workers are imprisoned in the country, highlighting a systemic issue regarding the treatment of the press.

International Response

Despite calls for action from international human rights groups, the Chinese government has remained largely unresponsive to criticisms regarding press freedom and human rights abuses. The foreign ministry has not issued a comment regarding Zhang’s recent sentencing, indicating a continued reluctance to engage with international concerns over its human rights record. As the international community watches closely, the future for journalists in China remains uncertain.

What Happens Next?

The future for Zhang Zhan and other detained journalists in China is precarious. As international pressure mounts, it is unclear whether the Chinese government will alter its approach to dissent and press freedom. Activists and human rights organisations will likely continue to advocate for Zhang’s release, but the Chinese government's strict control over information and dissent poses significant challenges.

Conclusion

Zhang Zhan's case exemplifies the dangers faced by journalists in China, where expressing dissent can lead to severe repercussions. As a nation grapples with its human rights obligations, the international community must remain vigilant in advocating for those like Zhang, who risk everything to bring truth to light. What does this mean for the future of free speech in China, and how can the world effectively respond to such violations?

#PressFreedom #HumanRights #China

FAQs

What charges was Zhang Zhan convicted of?

Zhang Zhan was convicted of 'picking quarrels and provoking trouble', a charge commonly used by the Chinese government against critics and dissenters.

What was Zhang Zhan's original sentence?

Her original sentence was four years in prison, handed down in December 2020 for her reporting on the COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan.

How has Zhang's health been affected in custody?

Zhang's health has reportedly deteriorated, particularly after a hunger strike in January 2023, which led to her being force-fed through a gastric tube.

What is the current state of press freedom in China?

China ranks 178th out of 180 countries in the World Press Freedom Index, with a significant number of journalists currently imprisoned for their work.

What actions have been taken by human rights organisations regarding Zhang's case?

Human rights organisations like RSF and Amnesty International have condemned her sentencing and called for her immediate release and access to proper healthcare.