(Chengdu — October 8, 2025) — Human rights lawyer Lu Siwei, who was imprisoned for taking on politically sensitive cases in China, has been diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer following his release from prison in August of this year. Due to the suspension of his medical insurance during his time in prison and ongoing entry and exit restrictions imposed by Chinese authorities, he faces serious obstacles in obtaining medical care.
Barred from Travel and Facing Mounting Medical Costs
The 52-year-old Lu Siwei, known for representing defendants in the “12 Hong Kong activists” case, said that he underwent a medical examination after his release from prison; doctors discovered that a lung nodule had grown significantly within a short time and advised immediate surgery. However, he currently lacks both medical coverage and permission to travel abroad to reunite with his wife and daughter in the United States and to seek treatment.
“The doctor told me it is an early stage of lung cancer,” Lu said in an interview. “I can either have surgery right away or observe it for half a year.”
He chose the latter partly for financial reasons. Because his medical insurance was discontinued while he was in prison, surgery without insurance could cost 50,000 to 60,000 RMB (approximately USD 6,800 to 8,200). According to local policy, he must pay back the missed payments and make continuous payments for seven months before his insurance can be reinstated. He hopes to restore insurance coverage during the observation period to reduce the financial burden.
Another concern is the lack of support for daily expenses. Since losing his law license, Lu Siwei’s income has reduced significantly, while his wife, Zhang Chunxiao, and daughter currently live in the United States. He said that if he undergoes surgery in China, he is worried that the absence of post-operative care and emotional support could hinder his recovery.
Restricted and Monitored Despite Release
Although officially released, Lu Siwei remains under strict border control measures, which prevent him from leaving China and restrict his movements within the country.
“I am not in prison, but I am not a free man either,” he said. “They cannot trap me in Chengdu, but every time I leave home, the political security protection officers have to know where I am going.”
China’s public security system frequently employs the “exit control” mechanism to restrict border crossings by individuals involved in sensitive or political cases, typically without court approval. The policy has long been criticized for its lack of transparency and avenues for appeal.
Family Separation and International Outcry
In 2023, Lu Siwei was arrested in Laos while attempting to travel to the United States to reunite with his family. He was subsequently deported to China and sentenced to 11 months in prison for “illegally crossing a national border (frontier).” On August 22, 2025, several UN independent human rights experts sent a formal letter to the Laotian government expressing deep concern over Lu Siwei’s forced repatriation and imprisonment.
During recent times around the Mid-Autumn Festival, Lu Siwei managed to see his family through a video call — “separated by a screen.” He admittedly said it was a way “without warmth” and could not substitute for a genuine family reunion.
Zhang Chunxiao stated that her husband has suffered both physically and mentally in recent years, enduring cancer and prolonged psychological stress. She publicly appealed to the Chinese government to allow Lu Siwei to seek medical treatment in the U.S. and to end the surveillance imposed on him.
“I do not understand why they are still following him,” she said. “He has no job, no freedom, and his health is deteriorating. He needs the companionship of his family.”
Ongoing Restrictions on Rights Lawyers
International human rights groups have long followed the circumstances of China’s human rights lawyers and documented how many Chinese rights lawyers remain under constant monitoring and restrictions even after release, making it nearly impossible to return to everyday life.
ChinaAid has urged the Chinese government to respect fundamental human rights, including the freedom to seek medical care and to travel abroad.
As of press time, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had not responded to requests for comment.
Reported by Special Correspondent Gao Zhensai for ChinaAid