The European Union deeply regrets the decision to uphold the conviction of human rights lawyer Yu Wensheng announced today (6 January 2025) by the Suzhou Intermediate People’s Court. Yu Wensheng was sentenced to three years imprisonment for “inciting subversion of state power” in October 2024.
The EU has consistently expressed its concern about the case of Yu Wensheng and his wife Xu Yan, who was sentenced to one year and nine months imprisonment on similar charges. Both were detained on 13 April 2023 while en route to a meeting at the EU Delegation in Beijing.
Xu Yan is scheduled for release on 13 January 2025, upon completion of her sentence. The EU urges the Chinese authorities to ensure her timely release and to guarantee her safety and well-being thereafter.
The EU reiterates its call for the immediate and unconditional release of Yu Wensheng, as well as all other detained and convicted human rights defenders in China. The EU will continue to monitor the situation closely and engage with Chinese authorities to advocate for the respect of human rights and the rule of law.