International Edition: Global Concerns Over Chinese Journalist’s Continued Imprisonment
A Chinese citizen journalist, known for her reporting on the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, has been sentenced to an additional four years in prison. This development has drawn widespread attention from international human rights organizations and press freedom advocates.
Background on Zhang Zhan
Zhang Zhan, 42, was initially arrested after documenting the spread of the virus from Wuhan, the epicenter of the outbreak. Her reports, which included videos and firsthand accounts, presented a more alarming picture of the situation than the official narrative. She was first imprisoned in December 2020 on charges of “picking quarrels and provoking trouble.”
The journalist went on a hunger strike following her arrest, leading to police intervention where she was restrained and force-fed through a tube, according to court documents. After being released in May 2024, she was detained again three months later and placed in Shanghai’s Pudong Detention Center.
Recent Developments and International Response
In a recent ruling, Zhang was sentenced to an additional four years in prison. The charge is the same as before, although the specific activities that led to this new sentence remain unclear. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) highlighted the ongoing persecution of Zhang, calling for her immediate release and urging the international community to exert pressure on China.
Aleksandra Bielakowska, RSF Asia-Pacific advocacy manager, stated that Zhang should be celebrated as an “information hero” rather than imprisoned. She emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that the international diplomatic community must act swiftly to secure her release.
Beh Lih Yi, Asia-Pacific director for the Committee to Protect Journalists, echoed these sentiments, calling the charges against Zhang baseless and highlighting the need for an end to arbitrary detentions. He urged Chinese authorities to drop all charges and free her immediately.
Broader Context of Press Freedom in China
China remains the world’s largest jailer of journalists, with at least 124 media workers currently behind bars. According to the 2025 RSF World Press Freedom Index, China ranked 178th out of 180 countries and territories. This ranking underscores the significant challenges faced by journalists in the country.
Despite this, there have been some developments in public health policy. A week before Zhang’s latest sentencing, China’s top lawmakers passed a bill aimed at accelerating public health emergency responses. The bill allows individuals to report emergencies directly, bypassing the usual government hierarchy.
Ongoing Advocacy and Calls for Action
Human rights groups continue to call for transparency and accountability regarding Zhang’s case. Her former lawyer, Ren Quanniu, has publicly criticized the new charges, arguing that they are based on her comments on overseas websites and that she should not be deemed guilty.
As the international community watches closely, the situation surrounding Zhang Zhan serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by journalists in China. The calls for her release reflect a broader concern about the state of press freedom and human rights in the region.
