Cheng YUAN

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In July 2022, Cheng Yuan sent three letters to his family describing the mistreatment and abuse he faced in prison. He endured forced labor, sleep deprivation, solitary confinement, and “re-education.”

Background

Originally from Changsha, Hunan Province, Cheng moved to Shenzhen, Guangdong Province to become one of the founders and staffers of the NGO Changsha Funeng.

Changsha Funeng

Changsha Funeng provides legal defense for persons living with HIV, AIDS, and hepatitis B patients. In 2013, Cheng became prestigious because one of his clients in an AIDS employment discrimination case in Jinxian County, Jiangxi Province received legal compensation.

His arrest

On July 21, 2019, he was suddenly taken away by police from Hunan Province Changsha State Security Bureau in Shenzhen and held immediately under “designated residential surveillance” on the charge of suspected “subversion of State power.” He was asked multiple times about his responsibilities in Changsha Funeng, funding resources, and details about his recent activities—namely his recent trip to Hong Kong.

Secret trail

After a secret trial on July 20, 2021, officials charged Cheng Yuan with a severe 5-year imprisonment ending on July 2, 2024, on the charge of “subversion of State power.” Cheng Yuan is now detained at Hunan Province State Security Department Detention Center. 

Forced Labor

After her husband’s imprisonment, Shi Minglei was rescued by ChinaAid in April 2021. Through her husband’s letters, she found out that Chishan prison used Cheng for forced labor. She tied Milwaukee Tool’s supply chain from the prison. After finding out this information, Shi Minglei petitioned on her husband’s behalf.