(Shanghai) Citizen journalist Zhang Zhan was recently hospitalized due to her worsening health during her four-year prison sentence. Chinese authorities charged Zhang with “picking quarrels and provoking troubles” for reporting on the COVID outbreak in Wuhan.
Hospitalized
On August 30th, Zhang’s Lawyer Li Dawei learned that his client’s health deteriorated due to worsening gastrointestinal issues. She was admitted to the hospital of the Shanghai Municipal Prison Administration in July.
Test results and weight loss
Zhang Zhan’s mother revealed that her daughter’s test results showed a low white blood cell count and elevated tumor markers. Before her hospitalization, her weight dropped approximately 81 pounds. “She is very thin, almost skin and bones.” Zhang Zhan’s mother reported.
Hunger Strike
During her imprisonment, there have been multiple reports of Zhang Zhan engaging in hunger strikes. Her family requested her release on medical grounds due to her rapid weight loss, but authorities denied this request. Meanwhile, sources indicate that her deteriorating health condition is associated with her persistent protests.
Zhang Zhan has not completely abstained from eating. However, she reduced her food intake to half or one-third of the normal portion. This is the demonstration of her innocence and to prove the unjust and unlawful nature of her detention and trial.
Uncertain future
Wang Jianhong, founder of the Zhang Zhan Concern Group, predicts that Zhang Zhan will not be released until May next year. Her health condition will remain full of variables for the next six months.
Former lawyer
Zhang Zhan is a Christian citizen journalist who has been detained by the Chinese government for over three years. In 2010, she was introduced as a talent in Shanghai. She practiced law until her license was revoked due to her involvement in rights advocacy.
Work in Wuhan
In 2020, she risked her life as a citizen journalist to report on COVID-19 in Wuhan. Zhang Zhan exposed instances of harassment against independent journalists and the families of confirmed cases. On May 14th of that year, Zhang Zhan was apprehended by the Shanghai police in Wuhan. The next day, officers detained her for “picking quarrels and provoking troubles.” Subsequently, the court convicted Zhang Zhan and sentenced her to four years in prison.
Bravery commended
In 2021, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (Free University of Brussels) awarded Zhang Zhan the Honorary Title for Freedom of Expression. She is also a recipient of the 2020 Lin Zhao Freedom Award by ChinaAid, the 21st China Youth Human Rights Award in 2021, and the 2021 Reporters Without Borders (RSF) press freedom award.
Zhang Zhan’s freedom
“I consider myself free,” Zhang wrote to her mother. “Jesus added a lot of sweetness to my pain and made me react to some frictions more calmly.” These statements revealed her profound understanding of God’s care for her.
The Citizen journalist’s birthday
September 2nd will be Zhang Zhan’s birthday. May she be blessed with God’s care so that she may be in good health on her birthday! ChinaAid Association urges the Chinese government, out of humanitarian consideration, to allow Zhang Zhan to receive medical treatment outside of prison or to be released on medical parole.
~Gao Zhensai, Special Correspondent of ChinaAid Association