Beijing: Zhang, a Chinese journalist who reported on the early spread of Covid-19 in Wuhan, has been sentenced to an additional four years in prison, according to Reporters Without Borders (RSF). The 42-year-old received the new sentence on September 19, just over a year after her release from a prior four-year term imposed in 2020 on charges of ‘picking quarrels and causing trouble.’ The same charge has been used against her once more, RSF stated.

According to Philippines News Agency, Zhang was initially arrested in December 2020 after she published videos, posts, and firsthand accounts from Wuhan that contradicted the Chinese government’s official narrative of the outbreak, revealing a much more severe situation on the ground. During her initial detention, Zhang staged a hunger strike in protest, which led authorities to resort to force-feeding her, as reported by her legal team. Her lawyer at the time, Ren Quanniu, asserted that she was being persecuted for exercising her right to free speech.

Zhang was released in May 2024 but was rearrested just three months later in Shanghai, resulting in her latest trial and sentencing. RSF noted that last week’s conviction came after Zhang had also reported on human rights violations in China. Human rights groups, including RSF, have strongly condemned the ruling and have renewed calls for her immediate release.

Aleksandra Bielakowska, Asia-Pacific director for RSF, remarked, “Zhang should be celebrated globally as a heroine of information, not trapped in brutal prison conditions. Her ordeal and persecution must end.” Bielakowska emphasized the urgency for the international diplomatic community to pressure Beijing to release Zhang immediately.