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    Journalist Zhang Zhan Faces Second Trial in China as Regime Block Supporters and Diplomats

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    By Michael Zhuang

    Copyright theepochtimes

    Journalist Zhang Zhan Faces Second Trial in China as Regime Block Supporters and Diplomats

    Chinese citizen journalist Zhang Zhan, who was previously jailed for reporting on the COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan, went on trial again in Shanghai on Sept. 19.

    Chinese authorities blocked supporters from attending, and foreign diplomats were barred from observing the proceedings. Zhang faces charges of “picking quarrels and provoking trouble,” an ambiguous law often used by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to target political dissidents.

    Zhang’s trial is closely watched internationally as a test of China’s treatment of journalists and dissidents.

    The Pudong New Area People’s Court of Shanghai opened Zhang’s case under tight restrictions on the morning of Sept. 19. Police surrounded the courthouse, blocking access to people who tried to show support or simply to witness the trial.

    Shanghai-based activist Shen Yanqiu was detained on the morning of the trial and released only in the afternoon. Chinese lawyer Peng Yonghe, who had volunteered to testify in Zhang’s defense, was placed under police control the day before. Anticipating restrictions, Peng recorded a video message beforehand, calling Zhang “a true patriot” committed to constitutionalism, democracy, and the rule of law.

    “The indictment does not specify her criminal motive,” he said. “If Zhang Zhan’s actions do not constitute what is called ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble,’ then she may be innocent. I am willing to testify in court on her behalf.”

    Other lawyers and dissidents issued statements declaring Zhang innocent and condemning the trial as political persecution.

    In May 2020, Zhang was arrested and held for several months before being sentenced to four years in prison. While in prison, she staged a hunger strike that left her in critical condition and drew international concern.

    “Zhang Zhan dared to expose the crimes of the regime even under its tyranny,” said New Zealand-based Chinese dissident Xing Jian, to The Epoch Times. “She has not bowed to evil. She’s using her life to fight for truth and justice. I deeply respect that.”

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