Ongoing Human Rights Violations in China: The Cases of Yang Hengjun and Zhang Zhan
In recent years, the Chinese government has faced increasing scrutiny from human rights advocates regarding its treatment of dissenters. This concern has intensified in light of the cases of Chinese Australian writer Yang Hengjun and Chinese citizen journalist Zhang Zhan. Both individuals have become emblematic of Beijing’s harsh crackdown on those who dare to challenge the narrative of the ruling Communist Party.
The Case of Yang Hengjun
Yang Hengjun, a prominent spy novelist and democracy advocate, has been imprisoned in China since his detention in 2019. In early 2021, he was subjected to a secret trial on espionage charges, ultimately receiving a suspended death sentence in February of the following year. Yang’s family and friends have raised alarms about his treatment in detention, revealing that he has been denied proper access to food, medical care, and other basic necessities for his survival. Reports indicate that his monthly allowance in prison has been slashed, exacerbating his already precarious situation. Feng Chongyi, an expert on Chinese politics and Yang’s former academic adviser, described Yang’s health as deteriorating rapidly due to his inability to purchase sufficient food and warm clothing amid sub-zero winter conditions in Beijing.
During a consular visit by Australian diplomats, Yang characterized his prison conditions as “harsh and unbearable.” Despite the Australian government raising concerns about his treatment, Beijing has not responded positively to such appeals. Advocates argue that China’s consistent failure to hold anyone accountable for these abuses has become a norm, enabling the continual mistreatment of detainees like Yang.
Zhang Zhan’s Hunger Strikes
Zhang Zhan, a former lawyer-turned-journalist, was imprisoned for her reporting on the COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan in early 2020, culminating in a four-year sentence. After her release in May 2024, Zhang was rearrested in August for her advocacy work, specifically her calls for the release of fellow activist Zhang Pancheng. Reports from human rights organizations indicate that Zhang has initiated a new round of hunger strikes in an effort to protest her detention conditions.
Zhang has faced severe treatment during her previous sentences, leading to dramatic weight loss and significant health issues. Her current hunger strike is reportedly being met with force-feeding via a gastric tube, a procedure that many consider a form of torture under international human rights standards. The implications of such treatment raise serious concerns about the increasing severity of consequences faced by individuals like Zhang, especially those who continue to speak out against the government after multiple detentions.
Broader Implications of Government Crackdown
The cases of Yang and Zhang illustrate the broader trend of escalating repression in China. The Chinese government has intensified measures against dissidents, creating an environment where dissent is increasingly silenced. This strategy serves to dissuade potential critics and maintain an authoritarian grip on power. Human rights advocates, such as Sophie Richardson from U.S.-based Chinese Human Rights Defenders, argue that the international community must take a more proactive approach to address these violations.
Richardson emphasizes the need for democratic countries to impose consequences on Beijing for its human rights abuses. She urges these nations to consider cooperative strategies to demand the release of political prisoners and to hold the Chinese government accountable at international forums. The call for such actions is not merely a theoretical exercise; it reflects the urgent need to prioritize human rights over economic interests in diplomatic relations.
International Response and Advocacy
The Australian government has made efforts to advocate for the rights of its citizens like Yang Hengjun. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong branded the imposition of a suspended death sentence as “appalling,” reaffirming Australia’s commitment to raising Yang’s plight with Chinese authorities. Nonetheless, the effectiveness of these diplomatic efforts remains doubted as Beijing appears unyielding on issues related to dissent and political opposition.
In conclusion, the cases of Yang Hengjun and Zhang Zhan underscore critical issues surrounding human rights in China. Their suffering is not just personal; it represents a broader struggle against a regime that systematically represses dissent and punishes those who dare to speak out. As international eyes remain on China, the response of democratic nations will be vital in shaping the future of human rights advocacy and the treatment of individuals like Yang and Zhang. The fight for their rights is emblematic of a larger battle for freedom of speech and expression in an increasingly authoritarian landscape.