Beijing, April 11 (NationPress) A prominent global human rights organization has urged the Chinese government to permit human rights lawyer Yu Wensheng to reunite with his family in Beijing without any limitations prior to his anticipated release from prison, nearly three years after a conviction deemed baseless for subversion.

As reported by Amnesty International, Yu Wensheng is expected to be freed on April 13, having served a three-year sentence for “inciting subversion of state power.”

He was detained on April 13, 2023, together with his wife, Xu Yan, while en route to meet officials from the European Union in Beijing.

“When Yu Wensheng steps out of prison next week, his freedom cannot be partial. He must return to his home, reunite with his family, and continue his life and work free from surveillance, intimidation, or any constraints on his rights,” emphasized Sarah Brooks, Deputy Regional Director at Amnesty International.

Amnesty International referenced a study from the previous year regarding the application of national security laws by Chinese courts targeting human rights advocates. It found that in 38 out of 68 cases, including Yu’s, defendants faced “deprivation of political rights” after their prison terms concluded.

The organization condemned this incident, asserting that such a so-called “supplemental” sentence breaches international standards and serves to justify the persistent harassment of activists to hinder their human rights efforts.

“Yu Wensheng was penalized for defending individuals against alleged abuses of power and advocating for a fairer, more accountable system. His imprisonment was unjust from the start, and his persecution must cease immediately upon his release,” Brooks insisted.

Amnesty International highlighted that Yu Wensheng had previously spent four years in prison from 2018 to 2022. His wife, Xu, mentioned that during that time, she and their son faced constant surveillance and harassment by Chinese authorities.

She noted that such activities persisted during his current imprisonment, leading to severe mental health challenges for their son, which continued even after her release in January 2025.

Expressing concern about the broader crackdown on human rights defenders, Brooks stated, “The anguish suffered by Yu Wensheng’s family illustrates how China's repression reaches far beyond those it incarcerates. While the past impacts of this oppression cannot be undone, the current harm can be halted.”

“Yu Wensheng’s incarceration was a blatant attempt to intimidate others in China who dare to advocate for human rights. Nevertheless, despite the government's oppressive measures, human rights defenders refuse to be silenced,” she added.