(Beijing — April 13, 2026) Chinese human rights lawyer Yu Wensheng (余文生), who had been imprisoned twice on charges of “inciting subversion of state power,” was released today (April 13) after completing his sentence. His wife, Xu Yan (许艳), confirmed that he has safely returned home in Beijing.
In a statement on April 13, Xu Yan said, “Lawyer Yu Wensheng has returned to Beijing. Thank you all for your concern and support.”
Lawyer Yu Wensheng has long focused on defending vulnerable groups and legal rights cases. He has represented numerous cases involving religious freedom, civil rights, and Hong Kong-related matters, and is well known in the international legal community.
First Imprisonment: In 2018, for advocating constitutional reform, Yu Wensheng was prosecuted on charges of “inciting subversion of state power.” He was sentenced to four years in prison.
Second Sentence: After his release in 2022, lawyer Yu continued to face scrutiny. In April 2023, he and his wife, Xu Yan, were detained while on their way to meet European Union officials in Beijing. He was subsequently sentenced to three years in prison once more for “inciting subversion of state power.” His term was completed today.
Beyond his legal advocacy, Yu Wensheng and his wife Xu Yan were baptized into the Christian faith on August 18, 2022, by Pastor Ezra Jin (金明日) of Beijing Zion Church (北京锡安教会).
