Veteran Chinese Journalist Sentenced to 7 Years in Prison for Espionage

A veteran Chinese state media journalist, Dong Yuyu, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for espionage. His family and international organizations have condemned the verdict as a "grave injustice" and a chilling attack on press freedom.

Dong, a former editor and journalist for the Guangming Daily, was detained by police in Beijing in February 2022 while having lunch with a Japanese diplomat. He was later charged with espionage.

His family maintains that Dong's conviction is based on no evidence and that the court's judgment implies every Chinese citizen should consider foreign embassies as "espionage organizations." This, they argue, creates a chilling effect on freedom of interaction and information exchange.

The trial was held behind closed doors in July 2023, and Dong has been detained in a Beijing prison ever since. His family was only informed in March 2023 that he would stand trial.

International organizations, including the Committee to Protect Journalists, have called for the reversal of the verdict and the immediate release of Dong. They emphasize the importance of protecting journalists' right to work freely and safely in China.

The Japanese government has also expressed concern over the verdict, while Chinese authorities maintain that the case was handled "strictly in accordance with the law."

Dong's case has raised concerns about the increasing crackdown on dissent and freedom of expression in China. His family and supporters hope that international pressure will lead to his release and a review of the charges against him.