China: WPF Demands Immediate Release of Zhang Zhan Amid Renewed Harassment by Authorities
September 10, 2024 - China, Shanghai
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the continued harassment of Zhang Zhan by Chinese authorities.
We have been monitoring Zhan's case since her initial detention in 2020 for reporting on COVID-19. After serving a four-year prison sentence, she was released on May 13, 2024, but her safety remains a grave concern.
On June 9, Zhan was summoned by the police, who threatened to imprison her again if she crossed unspecified "red lines."
Sources now confirm that Zhan was taken into custody last month while visiting her hometown and transferred to Shanghai, where she remains under heavy surveillance.
We urgently call for Zhang Zhan's immediate release and an end to China's ongoing suppression of press freedom. We will continue to closely monitor her case.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Marine's family and loved ones and urge authorities to conduct a full and transparent inquiry into her untimely passing.
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