The European Union and the United States have demanded that China release a civilian journalist who has been jailed for her reports on the early outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic from Wuhan.
A Chinese court on Monday handed over a four-year prison sentence to Zhang Zhan, who reported at the height of the crisis in the city where the coronavirus first appeared. Her lawyer said Zhang was jailed for “picking on quarrels and causing trouble”.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement that he condemned Zhang’s conviction and called for her immediate and unconditional release, accusing the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) of disclosing information about the Covid-19 outbreak in Wuhan restricts and manipulates.
“Her hasty trial, to which foreign observers have been denied access, shows how terrible the CCP is for Chinese citizens who speak the truth,” Pompeo said, adding that the US will always support the right of Chinese citizens to express themselves freely.
Relations between the US and China have fallen to their worst level in decades, while the two leading world economies boast issues such as the coronavirus outbreak, Beijing’s Hong Kong national security legislation, trade and espionage.
The EU has also called for immediate release of Zhang, as well as for freedom for prison human rights lawyer Yu Wensheng and several other detained and convicted human rights defenders and individuals engaged in public interest reporting.
“According to credible sources, Ms Zhang was subjected to torture and ill-treatment during her detention and her health condition deteriorated severely,” an EU spokesman said in a statement.
In a statement, the EU called for the immediate release of the group and their speedy return to Hong Kong from Shenzhen, where they were tried in a closed court on December 28 and without designated lawyers of their choice.
The EU critique of the issues comes a day before the EU and Chinese leaders are expected to reach an agreement to give European companies better access to the Chinese market.
Zhang was among a handful of people whose first-hand reports of overcrowded hospitals and empty streets painted a more frightening picture of the pandemic center than the official story.
Critics say China deliberately arranged for Zhang’s trial in the west during the holiday season to investigate.
‘The restrictions on freedom of expression, access to information and intimidation and supervision of journalists, as well as the detention, trial and sentencing of human rights defenders, lawyers and intellectuals in China, are increasing and continue to be a source of great concern. , ”Said the EU spokesperson.