On Nov. 2, Vision Times learned that Wang Yu — a prominent Chinese human rights lawyer known for defending marginalized groups and advocating for legal reforms — was hospitalized in “critical condition” following a nine-day hunger strike at the Wei County Public Security Bureau in China’s northern province of Hebei. 

Detained since Oct. 23, Wang’s arrest has raised fresh concerns about the treatment of human rights defenders in China — once again bringing to light the harsh realities and dire conditions faced by those who dare to challenge the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) human rights record.

Her case is also a sobering reminder of the lengths to which authorities in China will go to silence dissent and suppress legal advocacy, particularly for those defending politically-sensitive clients, such as Muslim Uyghurs, Tibetans, democracy activists, and Falun Gong practitioners.

Detention and hunger strike

Wang was first detained by the Wei County Public Security Bureau while providing legal assistance in a case. In protest against what she deemed to be an “unlawful detention” and the infringement of her personal freedoms, she commenced a hunger strike that lasted the entirety of her nine-day detention stay.  

Upon her release on Nov. 1, she was found in a “severely weakened state,” unable to speak or walk. In fear of her dying while in custody, authorities took her to the Wei County People’s Hospital for “emergency treatment.”

But reports indicate that during her detention, Wang faced harsh conditions and was subjected to ridicule and mental torture. Meals were minimal, consisting of a bowl of rice soup, a bun, and some pickles, with no provision of drinking water other than tap water. Due to her pre-existing gastrointestinal issues, she was unable to consume cold water and requested hot water, which was denied.

77 pounds at the time of release

This lack of adequate nutrition and hydration contributed to her deteriorating health, leading to her vomiting blood and experiencing extreme physical weakness.

Subsequent medical examinations revealed a shadow on Wang’s liver, though the exact cause remains undiagnosed. She was then transferred to Handan Central Hospital — a tertiary care facility — for further evaluation. Her husband, Bao Longjun, who is also a lawyer, expressed deep concern over her health, noting that she was “unable to speak or walk” upon release and was clearly severely malnourished.

He added that carrying her in his arms felt like “a bundle of cotton — very, very light, possibly only weighing 35 kilograms.” (about 77 pounds) 

Relentless persecution

Wang first landed on the CCP’s radar after gaining prominence for her defense of sensitive cases, including those involving Uyghur intellectual Ilham Tohti, the “Feminist Five,” and Falun Gong adherents. Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is an ancient spiritual practice that has been relentlessly targeted and persecuted by the CCP since 1999.

According to Minghui, a U.S.-based website that documents the persecution, thousands of Falun Gong practitioners have perished at the hands of Chinese police for refusing to renounce their faith, with the real number estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands, or even millions. 

In 2015, Wang was among the first lawyers detained during the “709 Crackdown” — a nationwide campaign targeting human rights lawyers and activists. She was formally arrested in January 2016 on “charges of subversion” and was released on bail later that year after a televised confession, which many believe was coerced. During this time, Wang was also subjected to severe physical and psychological abuse, including beatings, prolonged isolation, and relentless interrogations.

The crackdown, which began on July 9, 2015 (hence the name), resulted in the detention, disbarment, and harassment of over 300 lawyers advocating for civil rights and legal reforms. Many also continue to face routine surveillance, travel restrictions, and threats from Chinese authorities to this day.

In 2020, Wang’s legal license was suddenly revoked by Chinese authorities. Despite the challenges of being disbarred, she continued her advocacy and even earned the U.S. Department of State’s International Women of Courage Award in 2021. “Nobody is safe under a dictatorship,” Wang was heard telling a friend shortly before being arrested at her Beijing home.

Wang’s arrest and hospitalization have sparked outrage among human rights organizations and activists. “We strongly condemn the ugly and criminal acts of the Wei County authorities in persecuting human rights lawyers Wang Yu, Jiang Tianyong, and Qiu Bin,” said The Chinese Human Rights Lawyers Group as they condemned the authorities involved in these cases.

Exiled activist Anna Wang also described the situation as “too cruel,” and emphasized the “extreme measures” taken against human rights defenders in China.

Source: Vision Times