Explosive Revelation: Groundbreaking Trial of #MeToo Journalist and Labor Activist amidst Intensifying Chinese Crackdown

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Two Chinese activists, who have been detained for the last two years without being put on trial, are anticipated to attend a closed-door hearing on Friday. This move underscores the ruling Communist Party's intensified campaign to dismantle the remaining elements of civil society in the country.

Authorities in Guangzhou detained independent journalist and #MeToo activist Huang Xueqin, along with labor rights activist Wang Jianbing, in September 2021. Supporters claim that they have been charged with inciting subversion of state power and will face trial at the Guangzhou Intermediate Peoples Court. Despite numerous attempts to contact the court, CNN received no response on Friday.

Huang and Wang are unlikely to receive a fair trial in a judicial system controlled by the party with a conviction rate above 99.9%, according to rights advocates. "The substance of the Chinese government's case against Huang Xueqin and Wang Jianbing is unknown, but the process is undoubtedly a complete sham," said William Nee, a research and advocacy coordinator at Chinese Human Rights Defenders.

Huang has been denied access to a lawyer of her choice for the duration of her two-year detention. According to Nee, both she and her lawyer endured extensive interrogations, often disturbed by the police in the middle of the night for questioning.

CNN contacted the Guangzhou Public Security Bureau, who refused to provide any further information regarding the case.

Wang Jianbing, a labor rights activist, was detained along with #MeToo activist Huang Xueqin in September 2021.

#FreeXueBing/AP/FILE

Isolated atoms

Huang's close friend, speaking anonymously, informed CNN that during her detention, the journalist experienced considerable weight loss, ceased menstruating for several months, and endured various other serious health issues. The friend also mentioned that Huang suffered from prolonged back pain. These concerning health conditions occurred shortly before Huang's planned departure to the United Kingdom, where she intended to pursue a master's degree at the University of Sussex focusing on gender violence and conflict.

Authorities have offered no details about their charges, but supporters believe it could be related to weekly friends gatherings held at Wangs apartment.

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Following their detention, over 70 friends and supporters of Huang and Wang were reportedly summoned by the police for questioning. Supporters claimed that some of them were coerced into signing false testimonies against the two, alleging their involvement in organizing political gatherings to critique the government.

According to a close friend of Huang, the participants of these gatherings constituted a diverse and interconnected group of friends who shared concerns about public affairs. These ranged from feminism, LGBTQ rights, and labor rights to environmental protection. Apart from exchanging experiences and viewpoints, they would engage in leisure activities such as playing board games and occasionally going hiking together.

"The community used to thrive on mutual support, but it has crumbled since the detention. I no longer feel a sense of belonging," the friend expressed to CNN.

"The actions taken by the authorities have fragmented us into isolated individuals, making it challenging for us to unite once more. The entire community has been suppressed and silenced."

Courageous wave of younger Chinese

According to Nee, the possible underlying agenda behind the legal case against them could revolve around breaking apart the informal alliances and connections among civil society advocates in Guangzhou.

"The Chinese government successfully curtailed the operations of independent NGOs approximately ten years ago, and it seems that their focus has now shifted to suppressing any informal alliances formed by free-minded individuals who may potentially challenge the regime," he said.

Screenwriter Shi Hang delivers a keynote speech at the Internet Night of the Shanghai Film Festival in Shanghai, China, on June 21, 2017.

Huang, a former investigative reporter for progressive media organizations in Guangzhou, played a crucial role in igniting the resurgence of China's #MeToo movement.

In 2018, she played a pivotal role in initiating the nation's inaugural #MeToo case. Leveraging her considerable social media influence, she effectively amplified the voice of a graduate student who bravely pointed fingers at her PhD supervisor for engaging in unwelcome sexual behavior.

Moreover, she fearlessly shared her own encounters with sexual harassment during her early internship days at a renowned national news agency. She recounted instances when a senior male reporter, who also acted as her mentor, inappropriately touched and kissed her.

In 2018, she conducted a survey of 416 female journalists to demonstrate the extent of the problem. The findings revealed that a staggering 84% of these women had encountered sexual harassment in their workplace. In an interview with CNN in the same year, she explained that the low number of reported cases and subsequent prosecutions is primarily due to the reluctance of many victims to come forward, mainly because they feel ashamed.

Amnesty International characterized Huang and Wang as members of a "brave group of young Chinese activists who have united with the public over concerns regarding social matters."

Sarah Brooks, Amnesty International's Deputy Regional Director for China, remarked, "The allegations against them hold no foundation and are solely driven by the unwavering determination of the Chinese authorities to suppress dissenting voices."