Zhang Zhan, a citizen journalist who reported on the COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan, China, has been released from prison after serving a four-year sentence for charges related to her reporting. Zhang was convicted of “picking quarrels and provoking trouble,” a common charge in political cases, and served her full term. Concerns have been raised about the level of freedom Zhang now has, as her former lawyers and activists were unable to reach her or her family on the day of her release. Shanghai police had visited activists and her former lawyers leading up to her release, raising further concerns about her continued surveillance.
In a video statement released by overseas activist Jane Wang, Zhang thanked everyone for their support but spoke in a soft voice and appeared to be in a hallway of an apartment building. Wang also expressed concerns about Zhang’s limited freedom and potential continued control by the police even after her release from prison. The United States Department of State issued a statement expressing concern over Zhang’s status following her release. Zhang’s former lawyer, Ren Quanniu, confirmed the authenticity of the video and stated that she is still under police surveillance and care.
During her time in Shanghai’s Women Prison, Zhang staged a hunger strike and was hospitalized at one point in 2021. Her family faced pressure from the police and were only able to speak to her by phone during her detention. Zhang was one of several citizen journalists who traveled to Wuhan in the early days of the pandemic to document public life and the impact of COVID-19. Some, like Fang Bin and Chen Qiushi, also faced repercussions for their reporting. Fang was sentenced to three years in prison and released in April 2023, while Chen disappeared in February 2020 and resurfaced in September 2021, citing depression.
The coronavirus remains a sensitive topic in China, as evidenced by the treatment of Zhang and other citizen journalists. The Chinese scientist who first published a sequence of the COVID-19 virus also faced restrictions and setbacks from authorities. Despite the challenges faced by journalists reporting on the pandemic, their work has played a crucial role in informing the public and shedding light on the early days of the outbreak. The release of Zhang Zhan and others highlights the ongoing struggles for press freedom and freedom of expression in China. Concerns remain about the level of control and surveillance Zhang may face following her release, and advocacy efforts continue to push for greater transparency and protection for journalists in the country.
