China: Women Press Freedom Decries Harsh Sentence for Sophia Huang Xueqin
Huang Xueqin was sentenced to five years in prison nearly three years after her detention on bogus charges of inciting subversion of state power
Location: China, Beijing
Date: June 14, 2024
Women Press Freedom stands in solidarity with Sophia Huang Xueqin, a prominent #MeToo journalist, who was sentenced to five years in prison on charges of inciting subversion of state power. Xueqin has been an influential figure in China's #MeToo movement, using her platform to shed light on gender-based violence and advocate for women's rights. Her reporting on the Hong Kong pro-democracy protests further underscores her commitment to journalistic integrity and social justice. The severe sentence imposed on her is a direct attack on these principles and a clear attempt to silence a powerful voice in the fight for gender equality and human rights. The secretive nature of Huang's trial, the limited notice given, and the exclusion of public and media scrutiny raise serious concerns about the fairness and transparency of the judicial process. The accusations against Huang, which include organizing gatherings to discuss feminism and other progressive issues, reflect the government's intolerance towards critical discourse and advocacy. During her detention, Huang endured secret interrogations, torture, and ill-treatment, highlighting the severe human rights abuses faced by those who dare to challenge the status quo in China. This treatment is not only a violation of her rights but also a disturbing indication of the broader repression faced by activists and journalists in the country. Women Press Freedom stands in unwavering solidarity with Sophia Huang Xueqin. We fully support her decision to appeal the verdict and call for increased international attention to her case. It is imperative that the international community holds the Chinese government accountable for its actions and advocates for the immediate release of Huang and all those unjustly imprisoned for exercising their right to free expression.
Prominent Chinese journalist Sophia Huang Xueqin has been sentenced to five years in prison, nearly three years after their detention on charges of inciting subversion of state power.
Huang, a leading figure in China’s #MeToo movement and a reporter on the Hong Kong pro-democracy protests, was arrested in September 2021 along with Wang, a known labor activist. Their arrest came just a day before Huang was scheduled to leave for the United Kingdom to pursue postgraduate studies at the University of Sussex.
The court handed down the maximum sentence to Huang. Huang has indicated plans to appeal.
“The length of the sentence was unexpected and unnecessarily harsh,” said a spokesperson for the advocacy group Free Huang Xueqin and Wang Jianbing, who requested anonymity due to safety concerns. “We fully support Huang Xueqin’s decision to appeal.”
The sentencing hearing was conducted with minimal notice, and heavy security measures barred public and media access. Uniformed and plainclothes officers, alongside court officials and large barriers, ensured the proceedings remained closed. The trial began behind closed doors in September last year, marking two years since their initial detention.
Huang faced accusations of inciting subversion through their organized gatherings, which addressed topics including feminism, LGBTQ+ rights, and labor issues. Authorities accused the journalist of publishing articles that criticized the government, smearing Chinese officials at a foreign media conference, and conducting online courses aimed at inciting public dissatisfaction.
During her time at Guangzhou’s number one detention center, Women Press Freedom documented how Huang was subjected to secret interrogations, torture, and other forms of ill-treatment. The US-based Chinese Human Rights Defenders (CHRD) reported that police also interrogated up to 70 of their associates, forcing some to leave Guangzhou.
Huang was previously detained in 2019 following her coverage of the Hong Kong protests. She was released in early 2020 but prohibited from enrolling in a postgraduate program at the University of Hong Kong.
In mid-2021, the British Foreign Office awarded Huang a Chevening scholarship, a program recognizing outstanding emerging leaders worldwide. She was set to start her master’s degree at the University of Sussex later that year.
The sentence imposed on Sophia Huang Xueqin is not merely a punitive measure against one individual but a broader assault on the principles of free speech, activism, and human rights. Women Press Freedom urges governments, international organizations, and civil society to join us in condemning this action and to work towards a world where journalists and activists can operate without fear of retribution. Huang's dedication to her work should be celebrated, not punished. We must stand together to ensure that her voice is not silenced.
Women Press Freedom is an initiative by The Coalition For Women In Journalism
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
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