A report from a press freedom organization revealed that Chinese journalist Chang Chang has been handed an additional four-year prison sentence. This follows her coverage of the early Covid-19 outbreak in Wuhan.
At 42, Chang was convicted of “picking quarrels and provoking trouble,” which aligns with previous charges from December 2020 that also resulted in her imprisonment for sharing early accounts from the coronavirus epicenter.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry did not provide immediate comments on this matter. It remains unclear whether Chang has legal representation.
According to Alexandra Bierakovska, an RSF Asia-Pacific advocacy manager, Chang should be recognized globally as an “information hero” deserving immediate attention for her plight in harsh prison conditions. She urged the international community to apply pressure on Beijing for her release.
Chang’s arrest stemmed from her posts that included videos showing crowded hospitals and desolate streets, which presented a more dire situation than what was officially reported.
Her attorney at that time suggested that Chang’s treatment was motivated by her efforts to express freedom of speech.
Court documents indicate that following her arrest, Chang embarked on a hunger strike, demanding humane treatment from the authorities.
She was released in May 2024, only to be detained again three months later and officially arrested while held at the Pudong Detention Centre in Shanghai.
This recent ruling followed her exposés on human rights violations in China. Her former lawyer remarked that the latest charges stemmed from Chang’s statements made on foreign websites, asserting that she shouldn’t be labeled guilty.
Chinese officials have not publicly clarified the reasons behind Chang’s indictment.
Beh Lih Yi from the New York-based committee emphasized that this marks the second unjust trial faced by Chang, asserting that it reflects the government’s persecution of her journalistic endeavors. He called for her immediate release and the dismissal of all charges.
According to RSF, China is noted for having the highest number of imprisoned journalists globally, with at least 124 currently incarcerated.
In the latest RSF World Press Freedom Index, China ranked a dismal 178th out of 180 countries.
Interestingly, just a week prior to Chang’s new ruling, top Chinese lawmakers pushed through legislation to expedite responses to public health emergencies, allowing direct reporting of such events, bypassing traditional governmental protocols.
