China’s dissident Chen Yunfei, who has spent a total of 8 years in prison for his involvement in the “June Fourth” incident and anti-extradition protests, recently faced renewed suppression less than 5 months after his release. This time, he was targeted for suing the police in Pixian District of Chengdu for an illegal search that led to his loss of money, as well as being forced to relocate five times, causing his 91-year-old mother’s health to deteriorate due to the constant stress and fear.
A group of individuals claiming to be Chen’s landlords’ relatives recently showed up at his door to pressure him to move out once again. They barged into his home aggressively, shouting threats and insults, frightening the elderly woman to the point where she fell, sustaining injuries to her waist and feet that have yet to heal.
Chen Yunfei told Epoch Times that these people were fake relatives, resembling thugs from the black market. “My mother was completely terrified by them, and just two days ago, she tripped and hurt her waist. They are treating a 91-year-old woman inhumanely.”
Within his first 5 months of release, Chen has been forced to relocate five times, with direct intervention from the Pixian District government.
Chen recalled his experiences, mentioning instances where he was pressured to leave his rented accommodations in Xipu District. Despite finding a new residence late at night during his third attempt, he faced harassment from unwelcome visitors the next day. “The government has been monitoring me, preventing me from renting a place in Xipu,” Chen said.
The reason for Chen Yunfei’s forced relocations is linked to his appeal against the Pixian District government and police.
In March 2025, Chen returned home to find that tens of thousands of yuan had disappeared from his personal belongings seized during a police raid, where appropriate legal procedures were not followed. Chen believes the loss of money was a result of the illegal search conducted by the police, leading him to file a report. However, his report was dismissed, with the Pixian District government supporting the police’s decision. This retaliation and suppression from the Pixian District government stemmed from Chen’s legal actions against them.
Human rights lawyer Bao Longjun noted that during the search of Chen’s home, proper legal procedures were not followed, giving reason to believe that the police’s actions led to the loss of money.
Bao stated, “According to the law, when searching someone’s home, a search warrant must be presented, the individual must be present, items seized must be registered item by item with a list, a search record must be made and signed by the individual, and there should be witnesses. Chen Yunfei and his elderly mother were not present.”
Chen Yunfei invited lawyers Bao Longjun and his wife Wang Yu, known for their work during the “709 crackdown,” to represent him in the appeal, but their request for a recommendation letter from the community was denied.
Despite facing continued suppression, Chen Yunfei remains committed to seeking legal accountability and urges society to pay attention to his case.