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(Zhejiang – July 10, 2025) Lü Gengsong, a renowned political prisoner, member of the China Democracy Party, and human rights activist, was released from prison on July 6 after completing his 11-year sentence. He and his wife have been temporarily relocated by the authorities to a rural accomodation in Lin’an, Zhejiang, temporarily isolated from friends and the outside world to “avoid” public attention.
Background and Early Advocacy
Born in 1956 in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, Lü Gengsong was formerly a teacher at the Zhejiang Higher Professional School of Public Security. He later became an independent writer, long committed to exposing government corruption, illegal demolitions, and speaking out for petitioners by making their experiences known to the public. He was an active member of the Zhejiang branch of the China Democracy Party.
Prior Imprisonment and Continued Resistance
On February 5, 2008, the Hangzhou Intermediate People’s Court sentenced him to four years in prison for “inciting subversion of state power.” He was released on August 23, 2011 after completing his sentence. After his release, Lü Gengsong persisted to uphold democratic ideals, continued to focus on constitutional development, and actively assisted petitioners in defending their rights, which subjected him to ongoing surveillance and repression by the authorities.
Second Arrest and Harsh Sentencing
On July 7, 2014, police searched Lü Gengsong’s home and detained him on suspicion of “subversion of state power.” He was later held in Zhejiang Province’s Changhu Prison.
On June 17, 2016, the Hangzhou Intermediate People’s Court sentenced Lü Gengsong to 11 years in prison for “inciting subversion of state power,” while fellow democracy advocate Chen Shuqing received 10 and a half years.
During his imprisonment, Lü Gengsong suffered from poor health, and repeated family requests for compassionate release were denied.
His post-release situation continues to draw widespread public concern.
(China Aid Association)
