Rights lawyer Xie Yang in China has been unjustly charged by the Chinese authorities with the crime of “inciting subversion” and is set to be tried in a closed-door hearing on the morning of July 30, sparking concerns from the public. Xie Yang has been illegally detained for over three and a half years.
Recently, Xie Yang’s defense lawyers received a text message notification from the Changsha Intermediate People’s Court stating that a pre-trial meeting for Xie Yang’s case will be held on July 28, 2025, at 10 a.m. in the seventh trial courtroom, followed by a closed-door hearing on July 30 at 10 a.m. in the same courtroom.
The Chinese Human Rights Lawyers Group released a statement expressing concerns about the lack of transparency in the judicial process, highlighting the simultaneous notification of the trial date and the pre-trial meeting which they view as mere formalities with predetermined outcomes that do not consider any defense arguments.
Lawyer Wang Quanzhang also raised questions, asking why a case involving inciting subversion of state power is not being conducted in an open trial when there are no state secrets involved. He criticized the lack of transparency in such cases and the arbitrary nature of the legal procedures employed by the authorities.
Echoing these sentiments, Lawyer Tan Yongpei described the trial of Xie Yang as a deception and condemned the authorities for using legal proceedings as a tool for political persecution. He emphasized that cases like Xie Yang’s are often devoid of substantive evidence and legal basis, leading to prolonged arbitrary detention and secretive trials.
Xie Yang, a lawyer who began practicing in 2011, has taken on several high-profile cases challenging governmental abuse of power, involvement in civil rights movements, and advocating for the rights of the oppressed. His activism has made him a target for retaliation by the Chinese authorities.
In July 2015, Xie Yang was unlawfully detained during the nationwide crackdown known as the “709 Crackdown.” He was charged with disrupting court order and inciting subversion of state power. Despite being acquitted of criminal penalties, he continued to face strict surveillance and arbitrary restrictions on his liberty.
In late 2021, Xie Yang was arrested for showing solidarity with a pregnant female teacher who was forcibly confined in a mental hospital for her online comments in Hunan Province. Subsequently, he was formally arrested on charges of inciting subversion in February 2022 by the Changsha City Procuratorate. He has endured severe torture while in custody.
Xie Yang’s physical and mental health has significantly deteriorated due to the harsh conditions and mistreatment he has faced in detention. Despite the relentless pressure and torture, he has refused to yield to the authorities’ demands, drawing admiration and support from human rights defenders and sympathizers.
Xie Yang’s ex-wife, Chen Guiqiu, revealed in a recent interview that the authorities continue to subject him to inhumane treatment, depriving him of adequate nutrition, sunlight, and communication. She expressed deep concern for his well-being and highlighted the ongoing violations of his rights behind bars.
As the legal proceedings against Xie Yang unfold, observers and supporters around the world remain vigilant about the case, underscoring the importance of upholding the rule of law and protecting the fundamental rights of individuals like Xie Yang who dare to speak truth to power.