Independent journalist Huang Xueqin, who has been detained in China for over 1,320 days, has been nominated by US lawmakers for the Nobel Peace Prize, along with four other human rights defenders imprisoned in China and Hong Kong. Huang Xueqin's friends believe her perseverance in prison has earned international recognition. Some human rights workers believe this will bring Huang Xueqin's case back to the international community's attention.
Chinese independent journalist Huang Xueqin has been sentenced to five years in prison for "inciting subversion of state power," with more than a year left before she can be released. A Facebook group dedicated to Huang Xueqin posted on Tuesday (May 6) that Huang, as an independent journalist and human rights defender, had been nominated by US Congressmen Chris Smith and Jeff Merkley for this year's Nobel Peace Prize, along with Apple Daily founder Jimmy Lai, Uyghur scholar Ilham Tohti, Inner Mongolia dissident Hada, and Pastor Wang Yi of Early Rain Covenant Church in Chengdu, Sichuan, in recognition of their steadfast commitment to defending human rights.
Huang Xueqin's friends: She represents different groups that are oppressed in China
Huang Xueqin's friend Xiaowei told this station that her friends were delighted to learn of her nomination. She noted that before her detention, Huang Xueqin diligently supported the Hong Kong democracy movement and made significant contributions to the advancement of women's rights in China. Even after her detention, she didn't give up and continued to fight. Xiaowei expressed her encouragement to her friends who have shared this struggle by receiving international recognition for their actions and perseverance.
Xiaowei said, "This is very encouraging news. As a friend of Xueqin, I'm very proud of her. She deserves this nomination because, from her arrest to her sentencing, and now, having been held for over 1,300 days, she has never pleaded guilty, never admitted the charges against her by the authorities, and never compromised. For years, she has been fighting for her right to appeal and other rights. She never gave up in prison, and this spirit of resistance has inspired many activists. This nomination is a recognition of her struggle, and as a friend, I'm very proud of her."
Xiaowei said, "In fact, each nominee has a story behind them. Their nomination is a recognition of their contributions to human rights work. It also allows the world to once again see the Chinese authorities' persecution of democracy and human rights defenders in various fields. Their nomination not only represents individuals, but also represents a group of people. How can the stories of these groups be heard by more people?"
Friends call for attention to the human rights situation of co-defendant Wang Jianbing after his release from prison
Another close friend, Tommy, told our station that he was happy for Huang Xueqin's nomination. He also expressed concern about Huang Xueqin's increasingly scarce prison news. He expressed concern for her and his friend, Wang Jianbing, who was also released from prison in the same case. Tommy explained that Wang Jianbing has been arranged to return to his hometown to live with his family after his release, and urged authorities to allow him space to recuperate and recover.
Tommy said, "I'm worried that he (Wang Jianbing) will be subjected to the same strict surveillance and harassment as other human rights defenders after his release. If this happens, he will have no chance of recovering physically and mentally and reintegrating into society. Now that he's out of prison, I sincerely hope the authorities will grant him freedom and not restrict his travel. He can travel to other cities as he wishes and exercise his rights."
Analysis: Peace Prize nomination helps Huang Xueqin regain international attention
Human rights activist Pan Jiawei, who attended the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony for Liu Xiaobo, believes that although Huang Xueqin was nominated on a joint list, reaching this point was no small feat. The fact that Huang Xueqin has been recognized and nominated by leading American politicians demonstrates that her efforts have been recognized by the world.
Pan Jiawei said, "Huang Xueqin's nomination this time, along with others, is a recognition of her ongoing human rights work. Regardless of whether she ultimately wins the award, the entire process serves as a testament to her past efforts. Therefore, those who are nominated have already received significant attention in the human rights field and are considered representative. For them, this is another opportunity for the international community to re-examine their cases, sparking renewed discussion and attention."
Pan Jiawei said that there has been less and less news about Huang Xueqin in prison recently, and it is even more difficult to know her physical condition and whether she has been tortured. He believes that this nomination will attract more attention and will help improve her treatment in prison.
