New York [US], November 4 (ANI): The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has urged Chinese authorities to instantly launch veteran journalist Dong Yuyu on humanitarian grounds after jail officers reportedly ordered him to renew obligatory labour simply weeks after present process main surgical procedure to take away a cancerous tumour.
The 64-year-old journalist, who’s serving a seven-year jail sentence on espionage expenses, was directed to return to work on October 12. According to his household, Dong has been assigned roughly 40 hours of labor each week at a jail facility, the place he’s required to fabricate garments. The order got here shortly after he underwent surgical procedure in August at a jail hospital in Beijing. His household has expressed concern over his deteriorating well being because the process.
CPJ Asia-Pacific Director Beh Lih Yi condemned the choice, describing it as an inhumane act that displays the Chinese authorities’ disregard for the journalist’s well being and life. The organisation maintained that Dong ought to by no means have been imprisoned on what it described as fabricated espionage allegations and referred to as for a direct halt to all labour necessities imposed on him.
The cancerous tumour was found in May after Dong was hospitalised following complaints of coronary heart palpitations and unexplained weight reduction.
His household additionally raised issues over his switch in March from Beijing No. 2 Prison to Chaobai Prison in Tianjin, roughly 168 kilometres from their residence. The relocation has considerably difficult household visits, extending what was beforehand a 40-minute journey to greater than two hours.
Dong beforehand labored as an editor and columnist for the state-owned Guangming Daily. He was arrested in 2022 whereas having lunch with a Japanese diplomat in Beijing. In November 2024, he was convicted of espionage and sentenced to seven years in jail.
The Committee to Protect Journalists has constantly campaigned for his launch and recognised him with its 2025 International Press Freedom Award.
According to CPJ’s 2025 jail census, China remained the world’s main jailer of journalists, with 49 media professionals behind bars.
CPJ has reiterated its demand for Dong’s quick launch. China’s Foreign Ministry has not responded to CPJ’s emailed request. (ANI)