The Silent Cost of Speaking Out: The Persecution of a Chinese Activist

Zhang Zhan: A Victim of Oppression and Persecution in China

The Story of Zhang Zhan

In a somber tale that highlights the ongoing struggle for human rights in China, Zhang Zhan, a Shanghai-based activist and former lawyer, finds herself paying a terrible price for her public health advocacy. Zhang, who went to Wuhan in February 2020 to document the Covid-19 outbreak, has been in prison since May 2020.

Initially, Zhang gained attention through her posting of short videos on YouTube, reflecting the extent of the lockdown in Wuhan. Her activism eventually led to her detention by the Chinese authorities in May 2020, who accused her of “picking quarrels and provoking trouble.” In an unfair trial, she was convicted and sentenced to four years in prison in December 2020.

A Brave Hunger Strike and Torturous Conditions

Protesting her wrongful imprisonment and the unjust nature of her conviction, Zhang Zhan has engaged in periodic hunger strikes. She has reported that authorities forcibly insert gastric tubes to force feed her, and she describes her daily life as torture. This forced feeding of prisoners who are on voluntary and informed hunger strikes is a clear violation of the Convention against Torture, to which China is a party.

The Rights Defense Network has reported that Zhang’s weight has now dropped by half, and in July 2023 she was transferred to a prison hospital. Denied family visits, Zhang’s situation further violates international law in terms of prisoners’ rights.

China‘s Intolerance for Covid-19 Criticism

Zhang Zhan’s case is not an isolated incident. It is emblematic of the Chinese authorities’ intolerance for questioning their response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Demonstrators who peacefully protested against the “zero-Covid” policies in late 2022 also faced harassment and detention, with several now facing similar charges as Zhang.

Furthermore, China has been unwilling to allow an independent investigation into the origins of Covid-19, while also censoring crucial medical and scientific information related to the virus. The Chinese Communist Party’s rhetoric of their response to Covid-19 being “a miracle” is in stark contrast to their attempts to silence any critical information about the pandemic and punish peaceful speech.

Release Zhang Zhan: A Call for Humanitarian Action

In light of these circumstances, it is clear that the Chinese government’s actions do not align with their stated concern for addressing public health crises. If Beijing wanted to send a message that it truly cares about public health and respects the rights of those speaking out on such issues, it should immediately release Zhang Zhan.

The international community must pay attention to this grave violation of human rights and pressure the Chinese government to act in a just and compassionate manner. Human rights organizations, governments, and individuals should unite to raise awareness about Zhang’s case and demand her release.

Conclusion: The Fight for Freedom of Speech and Human Rights

Zhang Zhan’s tragic story serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle for freedom of speech and human rights in China. Her brave advocacy for public health came at a great personal cost, as she finds herself unjustly imprisoned and subjected to torturous conditions.

It is crucial for individuals, societies, and governments to speak out against such abuses of power and support those who are fighting for justice. The case of Zhang Zhan should serve as a rallying cry for the protection of human rights and the fundamental value of freedom of speech, which should be respected and upheld in all societies.

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