Recently, the Chinese Human Rights Lawyers Alliance formally accused the chief officials responsible for the “Network Crime Prevention and Control Law” in the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), namely the Secretary of the Political and Legal Committee Chen Wenqing and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong, of suspected crimes. They demanded a lawful investigation and arrest of the individuals involved.
The joint “Accusation Letter” submitted by Wu Shaoping, You Feizhu, Xu Silong, Zhou Junhong, and Zhou Xiangwei pointed out that the draft of the “Network Crime Prevention and Control Law (solicitation draft)” issued by the CCP’s Ministry of Public Security on January 31, 2026, publicized the solicitation of opinions to the society in the form of “law,” facing severe illegalities in procedures, powers, and legal nature, potentially constituting an abuse of power crime.
Xu Silong, a Chinese human rights lawyer, stated that he successfully submitted the “Accusation Letter” to the CCP’s Discipline Inspection Commission website on March 10, accusing them of the crime of abusing their power.
He believes that the unlawful formulation of the “Network Crime Prevention and Control Law” by the Ministry of Public Security is aimed at further tightening restrictions on freedom of speech, preventing people from accessing information freely online. The criminal accusation of abuse of power against Chen Wenqing, Secretary of the Central Political and Legal Committee, and Wang Xiaohong, Minister of Public Security, is just one part of a series of legal actions taken by them.
The “Accusation Letter” calls for a lawful investigation and immediate arrest of Chen Wenqing, Wang Xiaohong, and others involved.
Xu Silong mentioned that on March 28, after searching the feedback code on the Discipline Inspection Commission website multiple times, it consistently showed an error message indicating the verification code was incorrect. “The Commission’s refusal to accept accusations against Chen Wenqing and Wang Xiaohong reveals the hypocrisy of the CCP’s rule of law.”
In early March this year, six Chinese lawyers, You Feizhu, Wu Shaoping, Xu Silong, Zhou Xiangwei, Zuo Zhihai, and You Feiyu, publicly sent a letter to the Chinese National People’s Congress and the international community regarding the Ministry of Public Security’s draft “Network Crime Prevention and Control Law (solicitation draft).”
The open letter pointed out:
1. In terms of legislative procedures, the Ministry of Public Security has no authority to draft legislation. The Ministry and those responsible have committed severe violations and unconstitutional actions, constituting an abuse of power crime.
2. In terms of power structure, law enforcement agencies are attempting to self-authorize through legislation.
3. In terms of substance, the draft law places the entire population under surveillance in the name of crime prevention.
4. In terms of institutional design, multiple departments are encroached upon to form a comprehensive coordinated monitoring mechanism.
5. Information is systematically blocked, and the space for public discourse is continuously restricted.
The open letter earnestly urges:
1. The entire society can voice their opposition to the Ministry of Public Security’s website, appeal to the Chinese National People’s Congress Standing Committee for a constitutional review, request government information disclosure from the Ministry of Public Security, apply for demonstrations and protests, publish dissenting opinions online, and oppose the legislative process of the “Network Crime Prevention and Control Law.”
2. The Ministry of Public Security should immediately withdraw the “Network Crime Prevention and Control Law (solicitation draft).”
3. The Chinese National People’s Congress and its Standing Committee should immediately halt the Ministry of Public Security’s unauthorized legislative actions and hold the relevant individuals, including Wang Xiaohong, accountable for their criminal responsibilities.
4. Individuals from various sectors of the international community should raise their voices against the draft, urging the CCP to halt the legislative process and return to the correct track of the Constitution, rule of law, and human rights protection.
Xu Silong had previously posted anti-Xi Jinping re-election posts and what the authorities deemed sensitive information on Weibo while in mainland China, resulting in his account being banned. He stated, “If the ‘Network Crime Prevention and Control Law’ is enacted, it will further suppress people’s access to uncensored information, all for the sake of its (the CCP’s) control. However, many people in China will still find ways to access uncensored content.”
He expressed, “The CCP has always governed through lies. Why does it want to control the internet, especially by banning VPNs? Because once the people understand the truth, they will no longer believe its lies. These evil things of the CCP pose a great danger to the whole world.”
Xu Silong mentioned that they are gathering more evidence to expose online, making the world aware of the current situation in China. “It is very difficult for the Chinese people to bypass internet restrictions, so we must expose this situation to the world. We call on the international community to pay attention to the human rights situation in China.”