On June 14, 2024, in China, activist Huang Xueqin of the MeToo movement was sentenced to 5 years in prison by the Chinese Communist Party for “inciting subversion of state power.” Huang Xueqin, a 35-year-old independent journalist, stated in court on Friday that she will appeal the verdict. Her supporters expressed their disappointment with the ruling and stood by her decision to appeal.
Huang Xueqin’s friend, Wang Jianbing, a 40-year-old labor rights activist, was also tried and sentenced to 3 years and 6 months in prison. His supporters stated that he would consult with his lawyer before deciding whether to appeal the verdict.
The verdict was announced on Friday at the Guangzhou Intermediate People’s Court. According to “Release Xuebing,” a page created by friends of Huang Xueqin and Wang Jianbing, the court was heavily guarded with multiple police forces surrounding the area. Journalists and members of the public were reportedly prohibited from entering the courtroom to observe the trial.
A spokesperson for “Release Xuebing” told Reuters, “I don’t think the sentence should be so severe, it is totally unnecessary. Therefore, we support Huang Xueqin’s decision to appeal.”
The two individuals had been detained by the Chinese authorities since September 2021 and after two years of detention, their trial officially began on September 22, 2023. Supporters of the two individuals stated that they denied any wrongdoing during the closed-door trial.
The Chinese Communist Party’s charges of inciting subversion against these two activists were based on their frequent organization of gatherings for Chinese youth to discuss social issues.
“Release Xuebing” is a movement organization primarily composed of overseas activists. Prior to the announcement of the verdict, the organization stated in a press release, “The efforts and dedication of both individuals to labor rights, women’s rights, and civil society will not be denied by this unjust trial, nor will society forget their existence.”
The statement pointed out that as the Chinese government’s oppression and injustices escalate, more activists like them will continue to stand up.
The crime of inciting subversion of state power is a charge commonly used by the Chinese authorities against dissenting individuals, with a maximum sentence of five years. However, if the suspects are considered “main instigators or have committed serious offenses,” the sentence may be further extended.
The organization mentioned that Huang Xueqin had originally planned to fly to the UK on September 20, 2021, to pursue a master’s degree at the University of Sussex with a scholarship from the British government. However, on September 19, she and Wang Jianbing unexpectedly went missing and were later confirmed to have been detained by the authorities. One month later, on October 27, the Guangzhou Public Security Bureau formally arrested the two individuals on charges of inciting subversion of state power.
Huang Xueqin has previously reported on MeToo allegations in China and the 2019 Hong Kong anti-extradition bill protests.
Supporters had previously indicated that both activists had been held in solitary confinement for several months. The Guangzhou police did not respond to Reuters’ requests for comments.