A prominent #MeToo journalist in China has been sentenced to five years in prison on subversion charges, as reported by supporters. The journalist, an independent reporter, was found guilty of 'inciting subversion of state power' by the Guangzhou Intermediate People’s Court. Another defendant in the case, a labor activist, was also sentenced to three and a half years.
The journalist, who played a key role in sparking China’s #MeToo movement, had been detained in 2021 and stood trial behind closed doors in 2022. She had previously worked as an investigative reporter and had helped bring about the country’s first #MeToo case. The journalist had used her platform to amplify the voices of victims of sexual harassment and had shared her own experiences of workplace harassment.
Following their detention, more than 70 friends and supporters of the journalist were questioned by the police, with some allegedly coerced into signing fabricated testimonies against her. The gatherings held by the journalist and her friends, which covered various social issues, were believed to be a reason for their arrest.
Human rights organizations have condemned the convictions, noting the chilling effect it may have on activism in China. The rights group Amnesty International criticized the lack of transparency in the judicial process and highlighted the government's crackdown on activists who advocate for social justice.
The journalist's close friend revealed the impact of the crackdown, describing how the community of supporters had been disbanded and silenced. The friend expressed concerns about the journalist's well-being in detention, citing significant weight loss and health issues.
The convictions of the journalist and the labor activist are seen as part of the Chinese government's broader efforts to suppress dissent and activism. The high conviction rate in Chinese courts, controlled by the ruling Communist Party, raises questions about the fairness of the legal system and the protection of civil liberties.
