The Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders has urged the Chinese government to urgently release citizen journalist Zhang Zhan, who has been detained and reportedly subjected to torture for her activism. Zhang, who was arrested in August 2024 in Shanghai, faces charges of “picking quarrels and stirring up trouble,” a vague criminal offense used to target dissidents in China.
Zhang, previously a lawyer, was known for documenting the COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan in 2020, posting videos of her findings that contradicted the government’s narrative. After her previous arrest, she was sentenced to four years in prison for the same charge. Zhang has faced malnutrition during her detention, leading to her needing medical treatment for severe health issues after hunger strikes. Authorities have reportedly subjected her to force-feeding via a gastric tube during her latest protest.
The World Organisation Against Torture and Amnesty International have highlighted her arbitrary detention and treatment as violations of her human rights. Zhang’s lawyer has been under pressure not to publicly disclose details of the case, and the date of her hearing remains unclear. Prosecutors are seeking a prison sentence of four to five years.
Human rights organizations have called the use of force-feeding as both ill-treatment and torture, violating the UN Convention Against Torture, which China ratified in 1988. These actions, alongside Zhang’s detention, are seen as retaliation for her legitimate human rights activities.
The charge of “picking quarrels and stirring up trouble” is a broadly defined crime under Article 293 of the Chinese Criminal Code, which can carry a sentence of up to five years. Volker Türk, the UN Human Rights Chief, has criticized this charge, calling for its reform.
Zhang Zhan’s case continues to attract international concern, with groups such as Reporters Without Borders urging for global action to secure her release.
Source: Mariana Nuñez del Prado Córdova, Jurist Article, University of Lima, March 2025
