On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the “709 Crackdown”, on July 6, 2025, the New Citizens Movement Alliance held a protest in front of the Chinese Embassy in Berlin, Germany, calling on the international community to pay attention to the human rights lawyers detained and persecuted by the Chinese Communist Party, and to continue monitoring the human rights situation in China. Over twenty Chinese exiled democracy activists were present to show their support.
The founder of the New Citizens Movement Alliance, Wang Shoufeng, delivered a speech condemning the systematic repression of human rights lawyers by the Chinese Communist Party. He urged the CCP to immediately lift the surveillance and illegal confinement of all human rights lawyers, and release political prisoners such as Xu Zhiyong, Ding Jiaxi, and Guo Feixiong who have been detained for advocating constitutionalism and civil rights.
Wang Shoufeng stated, “Ten years have passed, and the illegal repression of ‘709’ continues. We cannot remain silent. We must use action to tell the CCP – we have not forgotten, and we will never give up.”
Wang Shoufeng also shared the latest situation of persecuted lawyer Zhou Shifeng, one of the main victims of the 2015 709 lawyer persecution case.
In May 2024, Zhou Shifeng’s wife, Zhang Meiying, fell seriously ill due to prolonged poverty, leading to organ failure from delayed treatment, and facing a sky-high medical bill she could not afford. Wang Shoufeng, upon seeing this, expressed outrage, emphasizing the need to extend a helping hand to those who fight for justice and freedom.
He made an online appeal for donations towards Zhang Meiying’s medical expenses. Shockingly, the evil CCP regime immediately froze Zhou Shifeng’s accounts and warned Wang Shoufeng for alleged violation of charity regulations.
With efforts from allies, donations for Zhang Meiying’s medical expenses were eventually raised. However, due to delayed treatment, she tragically passed away, leaving behind her beloved husband and children. Her death was another debt owed to the CCP.
Wang Shoufeng, along with local friends, helped Zhou Shifeng with the funeral arrangements for Zhang Meiying. However, Zhou Shifeng was unable to apply for a passport, leave the city of Anyang, and had to report his whereabouts to the authorities.
Though Zhou Shifeng was released, he still faced restrictions on his freedom.
During the event, various democracy activists spoke out in support of the oppressed lawyers and their families. Zhang Qiang, son of ‘8964’ democracy activist Zhang Qiang, shared his father’s resistance experience during the Tiananmen democracy movement, emphasizing how his father’s spirit continues to inspire him despite the challenges they face.
Zhang Junpeng firmly stated, “My father showed me what dignity means with his life. While I may not have inherited his surname, I will inherit his faith and walk the path he could not finish.”
Other speakers included Wang Wenxiao, Zhang Wen, Chen Zhengui, Li Tao, Diao Chengju, Li Yanlan, Du Tingxiang, who shared their own ordeals and denounced the CCP’s oppression of dissidents, calling for unity among global Chinese communities to fight for freedom and rule of law in China.
The entire event lasted for over two hours, with participants holding up banners reading “Release Xu Zhiyong”, “709 is not over”, “Restore freedom to our lawyers”, chanting slogans that drew the attention of multiple international media outlets.
Throughout the event, the German police maintained order, and the atmosphere remained peaceful and orderly.