Source: Amnesty International –
Responding to today’s release of Chinese labour activist Wang Jianbing after he served a three-and-a-half-year sentence for “inciting subversion of state power”, Amnesty International’s China Director Sarah Brooks said:
“Wang Jianbing, alongside his co-defendant, the #MeToo activist Huang Xueqin, was convicted in an unfair trial following extended pre-trial detention. His release today should mark the end of his unjust treatment and deprivation of liberty.
“However, we remain concerned that, despite having completed his prison sentence, Wang may face continued unlawful restrictions on his freedoms and the risk of re-detention. Upon his release from jail this morning, Wang was not permitted to return to his residence in Guangzhou, but was escorted by police more than 2000km to his parents’ home in remote northwestern Gansu province.
“Amnesty has for years documented instances of Chinese authorities targeting activists with surveillance and harassment even after they have been convicted in courts and served out their sentences. For example, in the months following her release from prison in May 2024, citizen journalist Zhang Zhan faced harassment from local police, and was ultimately re-detained on trumped up charges.
“The Chinese authorities must ensure all arbitrary restrictions on Wang Jianbing are immediately lifted and guarantee the full enjoyment of his human rights, including to freedom of expression and association.”