Chinese Journalist Zhang Zhan Sentenced to Four More Years in Prison on 'Picking Quarrels' Charge

Citizen Journalist Zhang Zhan Receives Second Prison Sentence

Shanghai, China – Chinese citizen journalist Zhang Zhan, 42, has been sentenced to an additional four years in prison on Friday, September 19, 2025, after being found guilty of 'picking quarrels and provoking trouble.' The sentencing in Shanghai marks her second conviction for the same charge, following a previous four-year term for her reporting on the initial COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan. Rights groups and activists have widely condemned the verdict, highlighting ongoing concerns about press freedom in China.

Background of Previous Detention and Re-arrest

Zhang Zhan first gained international attention in 2020 when she traveled to Wuhan to document the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, sharing videos and reports that often contradicted official narratives. She was arrested in May 2020 and subsequently sentenced to four years in prison in December 2020 on charges of 'picking quarrels and provoking trouble.' During her initial incarceration, Zhang reportedly undertook hunger strikes and was force-fed. She was released in May 2024 after serving her full sentence but was re-detained just three months later in August 2024, again on allegations of 'picking quarrels and provoking trouble.'

The Latest Trial and International Reaction

Zhang's latest trial reportedly took place in Shanghai on Friday, though authorities outside the court declined to confirm the proceedings. Diplomats from European and North American countries who sought to observe the trial were denied entry, with officials citing 'paperwork issues.' While Chinese authorities have not publicly specified the exact offenses, prosecutors reportedly accused Zhang of spreading 'false information that seriously damaged the national image on X and YouTube,' recommending a prison term of up to five years.

The sentencing has drawn immediate and strong condemnation from the international community:

• Reporters Without Borders (RSF) stated that Zhang 'sacrificed everything to expose abuses and human rights violations by the Chinese regime' and called for her immediate release.
• The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) denounced the decision, with its Asia-Pacific director Beh Lih Yi calling it a 'blatant act of persecution for her journalism work.'
• The UN Human Rights Office expressed deep disturbance over the reported sentencing and called for Zhang's 'immediate and unconditional release,' noting concerns about the conduct of her trial.

'Picking Quarrels and Provoking Trouble' and Press Freedom in China

The charge of 'picking quarrels and provoking trouble' (寻衅滋事) is a broadly worded criminal offense in China, frequently used against activists, dissidents, and journalists to suppress dissent. Critics, including Chinese legal scholars, argue that the law's 'legal ambiguity breeds room for selective law enforcement' and undermines judicial credibility. This 'catch-all offense' can carry a sentence of up to five years, or even ten years for more serious infractions.

China continues to face severe criticism regarding its press freedom record. According to Reporters Without Borders, China holds the largest number of journalists in prison globally, with at least 124 media workers currently detained. The country ranked 178th out of 180 in the 2025 RSF World Press Freedom Index, underscoring the challenging environment for independent reporting.