A human rights advocate from Henan, Xing Wangli, has been sentenced to three years in prison on charges of “provocation and troublemaking.” Despite his conviction, he remains determined to appeal, which has led authorities to label him as a “key criminal.” His family members have reported that their visits to him in prison are subject to constant surveillance.
Initially incarcerated at the Yuzhou Prison in Henan Province, Xing was transferred on August 20, 2026, to the No. 7 District of the Sanmenxia Prison, and has recently been moved to a medical facility within the prison.
On the morning of November 10, when family members and lawyers attempted to visit him at Sanmenxia Prison, they were subjected to full auditory surveillance. Prison officials claimed that Xing was resisting reformation and repeatedly told the family and legal representatives that online reports alleging mistreatment of Xing and his statements to his wife during a previous visit in October—complaining about his inability to bear life in prison—were false.
Xing’s son, Xing Jian, who has fled to New Zealand, described the family’s experience during the visit. He noted that they had to wait an unusually long time before being allowed to see their father. The prison authorities prioritized meeting with the lawyers first, creating a noticeable delay. His mother also reported that the time allowed for the meeting this time was shorter compared to previous ones. What the prison referred to as “resisting reformation” was, in fact, Xing’s steadfast refusal to accept his status as a criminal; he continues to appeal against what he views as an unjust conviction. This resistance involves not participating in labor and refusing to comply with unreasonable jail demands while maintaining his innocence.
According to Xing Wangli’s wife, Xu Jincui, when she asked her husband about life in prison, he indicated that the prison authorities had restricted what he could say, only mentioning that he would be washing clothes in the medical district. She urged him not to work, but he explained that labor could lead to a reduced sentence and encouraged her to address prison executives about this possibility, all the while showing signs of distress. She observed that his hands were shaking significantly; typically, he would look back at her after their visits, but this time he did not.
During the family visit, there were several other families present in the visitation hall, yet only Xu Jincui and Xing Wangli had a guard specifically assigned to monitor their conversation.
Xing Jian further stated that before meeting with his father, the lawyers were subjected to immense pressure from prison officials and faced threats. The lawyers attempted to discuss the legal violations committed by the arresting officers involved in Xing’s case, but throughout their discussion, the prison guards emphasized that Xing was resisting reformation.
Furthermore, Xing Jian highlighted that according to Article 70 of the Prison Law, which was enforced by the Chinese Communist Party on November 1, 2026, defense lawyers should be able to meet their clients without being monitored. He stressed that the ongoing surveillance during consultations is illegal and should be met with accountability. He also expressed skepticism about the legitimacy of the conversations that occurred between prison staff and the lawyers before their visit, suggesting that these interactions were designed to apply pressure and prevent Xing from disclosing the realities of his imprisonment to the outside world.
It has been reported that despite his conviction, Xing Wangli remains committed to appealing his sentence, and during his recent meeting with his lawyer, he again requested to file an appeal and asked for the relevant legal documents. When the lawyer inquired whether he received a copy of the appeal he had sent while at Yuzhou Prison, Xing stated that he had not received it, adding that even the judgment document from his case had been withheld from him.
The roots of Xing’s legal troubles trace back to February 18, 2025, when he recorded an incident involving local petitioners being violently intercepted by government agents outside his home in Xixian County. His actions, which included recording the assault and calling the police, resulted in his arrest by the local public security bureau on charges of “provocation and troublemaking.” As the case progressed to court, it was evident that there were no victims or witnesses, and despite the lack of evidence, the prosecutor insisted on pursuing charges against him. Ultimately, on August 30, 2025, the court sentenced him to three years in prison for the allegations.
Unwilling to accept the injustice of his imprisonment, Xing Wangli has maintained his commitment to appellate efforts, determined to fight for his rights and clear his name.