China: Citizen journalist Zhang Zhan should be released immediately

June 23, 2020, Shanghai, China -- Zhang Zhan, a citizen journalist based in Shanghai, has been arrested after initially being detained for her coronavirus reporting. She has been held by the police in the municipality’s Pudong district on “public disturbance charges”.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is concerned about Zhang’s safety while she remains in custody. Given the atrocious history of press freedom’s oppression in China, we demand for Zhang’s immediate release. No journalist should have to go through state persecution for their reporting, particularly during a deadly pandemic that has gripped the world.

On June 23, Zhang was arrested, as a result of live-streaming about the outbreak from Wuhan - the epicenter of Covid-19’s first reported cases - where she traveled early in February. Her video was live-streamed from the city on Twitter, YouTube - both of which are blocked in China - and various social media platforms.

She also wrote an article wherein she criticized Chinese authorities for their response towards containing the novel coronavirus and deemed the measures taken by the government as a violation of human rights. Zhang also questioned transparency related to the outbreak’s coverage and censorship of the media reporting about its spread.

China is notorious for suppressing press freedom and persecuting journalists for doing their jobs. Several journalists, including women, are currently cloaked behind bars in China for their journalism. The situation has worsened in the aftermath of Covid-19 following crackdowns on not just local journalists but also intimidating those working in the country for foreign publications and media outlets. CFWIJ’s documentation shows at least six women journalists behind the bars in various prisons across China.

Zhang, 37, was a former lawyer who began reporting as a citizen journalist about Covid-19 from central China. Her father informed the media that she was formally arrested on charges for “picking quarrels and provoking trouble”. This charge is used by Chinese authorities to silence dissent in the country. After her arrest was approved by prosecutors, Zhang was taken into police custody in Shanghai’s Pudong district, while her parents were handed over an official notice.

CFWIJ finds Zhang’s arrest worrying. We strongly believe in freedom of the press and demand China to stop persecuting journalists for their reporting. Zhang was doing her job as a citizen journalist and should be released immediately. During a pandemic when it is crucial for the public to receive truthful information about the state of health and safety in their country, the unjustified oppression of press and its members is unacceptable.