Zhang Zhan, a citizen journalist and lawyer who was on the front lines in Wuhan during the height of the Xinguan epidemic this year, and who reported extensively on the realities of the epidemic, was recently indicted by Chinese prosecutors. The Human Rights Lawyers of China issued a statement on September 20.
The statement stressed that Zhang Zhan’s actions were in full compliance with China’s constitution and laws, and did not constitute any violations or crimes.
The statement also said that the Shanghai police and the prosecution have illegally imposed restrictions on the defense lawyers, depriving the defense lawyers appointed by Zhang Zhan’s mother of the right to meet with and review the case file.
The statement noted that the defense attorney and Zhang’s family still do not know with certainty what charges the prosecution has brought against Zhang Zhan, and it does not rule out the possibility that the Shanghai police, prosecutors and the court have colluded to settle old scores with Zhang Zhan, who was illegally detained twice in 2019 and whose case has been closed.
Zhang Zhan has been on hunger strike for several days, the statement said. Lawyers for Human Rights in China hopes that the court hearing the case will proceed without delay for humane reasons, and that Zhang Zhan will be acquitted and released immediately.
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