Los Angeles, CA – Chinese citizen journalist Zhang Zhan, who had reported from the frontlines of the Wuhan pandemic in the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak, has been released after being unlawfully detained for four years earlier this month. However, it has come to light that she has not truly regained her freedom. Last Saturday, the Chinese community in Los Angeles gathered in front of the Chinese Consulate to protest the ongoing restriction of Zhang Zhan’s personal liberty by the authorities.
Despite recording a video on Tuesday (21st) to express her gratitude to those who have shown concern for her, according to the “Zhang Zhan Support Group,” she currently only has “limited freedom.” According to a report by a Radio France correspondent in Beijing, individuals detained by the Chinese authorities on charges of provocation and causing trouble are usually “silenced in some way.”
Around fifty to sixty Chinese individuals gathered at the protest, holding up boards and banners featuring Zhang Zhan’s portrait, with the largest banner reading “Dismantle the CCP, End the Persecution.” Several participants took to the stage to condemn the Chinese Communist Party and call for Zhang Zhan’s genuine freedom.
Jie Lijian, the organizer of the protest and Deputy Chairman of the Joint Headquarters of the Chinese Democratic Party, first recounted Zhang Zhan’s persecution and brave resistance.
He stated that when the pandemic broke out, and the vast majority of people were silenced by the threats of the CCP, Zhang Zhan bravely stepped forward to expose the truth. “Her actions, her courage, her spirit, are all things we should learn from,” he said. Yet, this woman, who courageously spoke out for the public good, was sentenced by the CCP to four years in prison and still has not obtained true freedom after her release. “We have an obligation to speak out for her.”
Jie Lijian emphasized that Zhang Zhan, as a citizen journalist, only used her phone to record the truth without embellishment or distortion of facts. “It is not her who is guilty, but rather the sickness of this country, the guilt of this nation.” He stated, “When the journalists of a country are silent, that is the darkest and most painful moment for that country because there is only one voice in this society—the lies of the CCP.”
Zhang Zhijun from Shandong pointed out during his speech that Zhang Zhan ventured alone to Wuhan to expose the truth about the pandemic, paying a heavy price herself, being sentenced to four years on charges of provocation and causing trouble. “This is not only a severe violation of her personal freedom but also a ruthless suppression of freedom of speech,” he said. In a society under the rule of law, citizens have the right to seek the truth and express their opinions.
“What Zhang Zhan did was to uphold a citizen’s basic rights. She showed us the responsibility and duty that a citizen should possess,” Zhang Zhijun said. Freedom of speech is the cornerstone of society, and if suppressed by public power, truths will be obscured, and lies will prevail; therefore, Zhang Zhan’s oppression is “not just her problem but a harsh reality that the entire Chinese society needs to face.”
Resident of Los Angeles and Christian, Li Yuanxi, led the participants in praying for Zhang Zhan’s safety, emphasizing that one cannot rely on the CCP to have a “conscience awakening.” “Only by dismantling the evil group of the CCP can we prevent others from being persecuted again.”
Former state-owned enterprise employee from Shaanxi, Hu Yang, stated that Zhang Zhan’s initial reporting on the pandemic in Wuhan was to let ordinary people understand the truth; if she had not been oppressed, there might not have been as many deaths later on. “Supporting Zhang Zhan is supporting ourselves,” he said. “We hope she achieves genuine freedom.”
Chen Cunhui from Guangdong expressed admiration for Zhang Zhan’s courage. He stated, “When citizen journalists report the truth, they are accused of spreading rumors and causing trouble, only the CCP is capable of such evil deeds.”
Liu Guangxian from Jiangsu, now residing in the United States, mentioned that Zhang Zhan contributed to the democracy and freedom of the Chinese people, expressing great anger at the CCP’s persecution of Zhang Zhan.
Student representative Zhang Junjie pointed out during his speech that Zhang Zhan’s initial courage was outstanding, emphasizing that the situation for individuals overseas is much safer than for many domestic activists. “We hope that overseas Chinese in Western liberal countries can stand up and support these persecuted conscience convicts and political prisoners.”
After the speeches, the protesters, led by Jie Lijian, circled the Chinese Consulate several times. On that day, the LAPD was present to assess the situation and direct the safe route of the parade.
The consulate was closed over the weekend, with only four security guards on duty. As the parade passed by the consulate, participants sprayed oil stains on the Chinese flag and chanted slogans.
“Reporting the truth is not a crime,” Jie Lijian told the protesters. “We cannot allow the voice of freedom to disappear.”
He called on the authorities to grant Zhang Zhan her freedom, allowing her to freely communicate with family and friends and travel freely. “This is a fundamental freedom that every citizen should have.”