Chinese #MeToo journalist Huang Xueqin sentenced to 5 years for subversion

Chinese investigative journalist Huang Xueqin, a prominent figure in the country's #MeToo movement, was sentenced on 14 June to five years in prison for "inciting subversion of state power" after nearly 1000 days of detention.

Huang Xueqin, also known as Sophia Huang, received her sentence from a court in Guangzhou, southern China. Arrested in September 2021, just a day before she was set to leave for the United Kingdom to further her studies, Huang has been a significant voice in China's social justice movements.

The court proceedings were marked by a heavy police presence, preventing journalists and supporters from attending the session. Huang's partner, labour activist Wang Jianbing, was also sentenced to three years and six months on the same charges.

Huang's trial, which took place behind closed doors on 22 September 2023, had not concluded with an immediate verdict.

Reports indicate that during her detention, Huang endured severe torture, including stabbing pains from prolonged interrogation in the "tiger chair," a notorious torture device used by Chinese authorities.

“Huang Xueqin was only serving the public interest by shedding light on social issues and should never have been detained, not to mention tortured or sentenced to such a heavy prison term. We urge the international community to build up pressure on the Chinese authorities to secure her release alongside all other 118 journalists and press freedom defenders detained in the country," stated Cédric Alviani, RSF Asia-Pacific Bureau Director.

In 2018, Huang's investigative work brought to light the widespread issue of gender-based harassment in China's media industry.

Her efforts were instrumental in launching the country's first #MeToo case at a prestigious university in Beijing, and she established a social media platform dedicated to reporting sexual harassment.

Huang's activism extended beyond gender issues; in 2019, she was detained for three months for "picking quarrels and provoking trouble" while covering the pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong.

China remains the world's largest jailer of journalists and press freedom defenders, with at least 118 currently detained. The country ranks 172nd out of 180 in the 2024 RSF World Press Freedom Index.

RSF and other international organizations continue to advocate for the release of Huang and other detained journalists, highlighting the ongoing challenges to press freedom in China.