China Convicts 1,545 Prisoners of Conscience, Accused of Crimes Against Humanity

A report by Chinese Human Rights Defenders (CHRD) reveals that Chinese authorities have unlawfully detained thousands and convicted 1,545 'prisoners of conscience' over the past six years, potentially constituting crimes against humanity. The report highlights that these individuals were punished for peacefully advocating for human rights, facing average sentences of six years, which increase to seven for national security-related charges. Among the convicted, significant numbers were women and members of minority groups, including Tibetans and Uyghurs, who were disproportionately targeted. Notably, three individuals received death sentences, while two others received life sentences. The CHRD emphasized that the criminal justice process in China fails to meet domestic and international human rights standards, leading to arbitrary detentions. The situation under President Xi Jinping has escalated, with critics claiming a systemic effort to silence dissent and punish human rights defenders.