Two activists, Huang and Wang, were arrested in September 2021 and have served two years and nine months in prison. Huang is set to be released in September 2026, while Wang will be freed in March 2023. Huang plans to appeal her case, denouncing the use of national security to suppress civil society activists. Their trial in Guangzhou last year attracted attention, with American diplomats denied access.
Last year, Chinese feminists expressed concerns about the case, highlighting a broader chilling effect on activism. Huang, a journalist-turned-activist, became known for her work in the #MeToo movement before being detained multiple times on alleged charges. Wang, a longtime advocate for vulnerable groups, faced similar prosecution based on gatherings and online activities.
This case sheds light on the challenges faced by social justice activists in China, where civil liberties are often curtailed in the name of national security.