Chinese Lawyers Sentenced for Subversion Charges

Chinese human rights lawyer Yu Wensheng and his wife Xu Yan were sentenced to three years and one year and nine months in prison, respectively, for 'inciting subversion of state power' after being detained while on their way to meet European Union diplomats in April 2023. Their trial was held in secret, and foreign diplomats were barred from attending, raising concerns about China's crackdown on dissent and rights advocacy. The couple's sentencing has drawn widespread condemnation from the United States, Germany, France, and the European Union, all of which are calling for their immediate release. Yu, a prominent figure in human rights defense, previously spent four years in jail for his activism, while Xu has been a vocal supporter of his efforts. The situation highlights the ongoing repression faced by human rights defenders in China, as their case exemplifies the regime's use of vague charges to silence critics. Their son has reportedly experienced significant mental health issues since their detention, according to Amnesty International.