Freelance | Imprisoned in China | September 15, 2010

Job:Internet Reporter
Medium:Internet
Beats Covered:Human Rights, Politics
Gender:Male
Local or Foreign:Local
Freelance:Yes
Charge:Anti-state
Length of Sentence:10+ years
Reported Health Problems:Yes

Police in Wuhan, Hubei province, detained Li, a 52-year-old freelancer, in September 2010, according to international news reports. The Wuhan Intermediate People's Court tried him behind closed doors on April 18, 2011, but did not announce the verdict until January 18, 2012, when he was handed a 10-year prison term and three additional years' political deprivation, according to news reports citing his lawyer. Only Li's mother and daughter were allowed to attend the trial, news reports said.

The court cited 13 of Li's online articles to support the charge of subversion of state power, a more serious count than inciting subversion, which is a common criminal charge used against jailed journalists in China, according to CPJ research. Evidence in the trial cited articles including one headlined "Human beings' heaven is human dignity," in which Li urged respect for ordinary citizens and called for democracy and political reform, according to international news reports. Prosecutors argued that the articles proved Li had "anti-government thoughts" that would ultimately lead to "anti-government actions," according to the Hong Kong-based Chinese Human Rights Defenders.

Jian Guanghong, a lawyer hired by his family, was detained before the trial and a government-appointed lawyer represented Li instead, according to the group. Prosecutors also cited Li's membership in a small opposition group, the China Social Democracy Party, the group reported.

Li is in Edong prison in Huanggang, Hubei province, according to Boxun News. He was not allowed to communicate with people outside of the prison through phone calls or letters. Li has high blood pressure, according to Chinese Human Rights Defenders.

In late 2017, a relative of Li's told CPJ that Li's health had been affected by the imprisonment but declined to provide details.

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