Chinese activist Li Qiaochu has recently been tried for “inciting subversion of state power.” The trial is widely seen as part of China’s ongoing crackdown on dissent and human rights activism. Li’s lawyer, Li Guobei, was denied entry to the closed-door trial, which took place in Linyi, Shandong. The 32-year-old activist could potentially face a jail term of five years or more. Li has been in custody since March 2021, following a tweet about the harsh detention conditions of her partner and fellow activist Xu Zhiyong.
The trial concluded without a verdict, leaving Li’s fate uncertain. The uncertainty surrounding the case and the lack of transparency in the trial raise concerns about the fairness and impartiality of China’s judicial system. The lawyer stated that Li has remained firm on not pleading guilty throughout the pre-trial conference and the trial itself.
Li’s lawyer also revealed that she has been experiencing hallucinations while in detention, raising concerns about her physical and mental well-being. These allegations of mistreatment add to the growing list of human rights abuses carried out by Chinese authorities.
Li’s arrest and trial are connected to her association with Xu Zhiyong and her alleged involvement in spreading his subversive thoughts. Xu and fellow activist Ding Jiaxi were previously jailed for 14 and 12 years, respectively, on charges of subversion. The activists co-founded the New Citizens’ Movement, which advocates for civil rights and government transparency. Their harsh sentences demonstrate the Chinese government’s intolerance towards dissent and its relentless pursuit of silencing critical voices.
International human rights organizations and the US Congressional-Executive Commission on China have called for Li’s unconditional release and highlighted the urgent need for her to receive medical treatment. The commission has criticized the absurd charges leveled against her, as well as the mistreatment of Xu and Ding in detention.
Li’s case sheds light on the repressive environment faced by individuals who advocate for human rights in China. The Chinese authorities’ crackdown on activists, dissidents, and civil society organizations poses significant challenges to the promotion of freedom of speech, human rights, and the rule of law in the country.
As the trial unfolds, it is crucial for the international community to closely monitor the proceedings and exert pressure on the Chinese government to ensure a fair trial for Li Qiaochu. Additionally, advocates for human rights should continue to raise awareness about her case and the broader human rights situation in China to exert international pressure on the Chinese government.
The treatment of Li Qiaochu serves as a glaring example of the human rights abuses committed by the Chinese government. It is imperative that the international community holds China accountable and protects the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals like Li who bravely stand up for human rights and the rule of law in the face of repression.
