Veteran journalist Dong Yuyu, a former editor at the Communist Party-affiliated Guangming Daily, has been sentenced to seven years in prison on espionage charges.
The verdict, announced by the Beijing No. 2 Intermediate People’s Court on Friday, has drawn widespread condemnation from press freedom advocates and international observers.
Dong, 62, was arrested in 2022 while meeting with a Japanese diplomat at a Beijing restaurant. According to his family, the court’s decision was based on his past interactions with senior Japanese diplomats, whom Chinese authorities labeled as members of an “espionage organization.”
Family Denounces Verdict
In a statement, Dong’s family called the charges baseless and described the ruling as a “grave injustice,” accusing the Chinese judiciary of suppressing free thought and engagement with the global community.
“This sentence declares to the world the bankruptcy of China’s justice system,” the family said. They further warned that the conviction sets a dangerous precedent, implying that any Chinese citizen interacting with foreign diplomats could be at risk of espionage allegations.
Journalist with a Legacy
Dong, a graduate of Peking University law school, joined Guangming Daily in 1987 and served as deputy editor of its commentary section. Known for advocating moderate reforms, his articles avoided direct criticism of Chinese leadership while encouraging constructive dialogue.
In 2007, Dong was a Nieman Fellow at Harvard University and contributed to Chinese editions of international publications like The New York Times and The Financial Times. His work and reputation have garnered support from journalists and academics worldwide.
Calls for Dong’s Release
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) condemned the ruling, with Asia program manager Beh Lih Yi stating, “Chinese authorities must reverse this unjust verdict and protect the right of journalists to work freely and safely.”
Ann Marie Lipinski, curator of Harvard’s Nieman Foundation, described Dong as a “talented reporter and author whose work has long been respected.” She added, “We stand with many in hoping for his release and return to his family.”
More than 700 journalists, academics, and NGO workers have signed an online petition demanding Dong’s freedom.
Diplomatic Tensions
The Japanese diplomat detained during Dong’s 2022 arrest was released after several hours. At the time, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused the diplomat of engaging in activities “inconsistent with their capacity.”
The ruling has intensified concerns over press freedom and the broader implications for journalists and citizens engaging with foreign officials in China. Advocates continue to urge the Chinese government to ensure the safety and independence of the press.
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