The United States (US) has demanded the immediate release of independent journalist and women’s rights activist Huang Xueqin (Sophia Huang) and labor rights activist Wang Jianbing. It also frowned at the unjust sentencing of the two activists.

The People’s Republic of China (PRC) Government sentenced Ms. Huang to five years imprisonment and Mr. Wang to three years and six months imprisonment after a lengthy pre-trial detention and a secret trial closed to journalists or the public.

Matthew Miller, Spokesperson of the US Department of State stated this in a statement issued on Monday, June 17, 2024. The statement described the sentences as the PRC’s continued efforts to intimidate and silence civil society. It urged the PRC to immediately release Huang and Wang, as well as other individuals unjustly detained for exercising their fundamental freedoms.

Continuing, the statement called on the PRC to live up to its international commitments and to respect the human rights of all persons, including freedom of expression and fair trial guarantees. It also urges the PRC to accept the many recommendations made this year during the PRC’s Universal Periodic Review of its human rights record.

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