As Ding Jiaxi turned 57 in a Chinese prison cell, his wife expressed concerns about his well-being. Ding, a member of the New Citizen’s Movement advocating for democracy, has been imprisoned since 2019 on charges of subverting state power. Despite assurances of his health, his wife worries due to past torture.
Human rights groups highlight the harsh treatment faced by political prisoners in China, including lack of outdoor exercise and limited contact with families. The Chinese government maintains that prisoners' legal rights are upheld, but critics argue otherwise.
Advocates like Rep. Adam Schiff call for Ding's release, emphasizing the emotional toll of his prolonged isolation. Ding's wife, who has not spoken to him since his arrest, received his first letter only this year. She laments his absence from their daughters' lives and questions the denial of basic rights like exercise.
The mistreatment of political prisoners in China, including torture and restricted access to legal aid, has worsened under President Xi Jinping. The lack of transparency enables ongoing abuse and jeopardizes prisoners' health.
Despite international calls for Ding's release, he remains confined in Hubei Province, separated from loved ones. His wife's plea for his well-being underscores the human cost of political imprisonment in China.
