CNHRA EVENT RECORD · CNHRA-E-855372
Li Heping: 709-related Detention, Closed Trial and Return Home under a Suspended Sentence
Date
2015-07
Location
Tianjin, China
Event Type
Detention · Trial · Sentencing · Release
Human Rights Issues
Freedom of Expression · Right to a Fair Trial
Record ID
CNHRA-E-855372
Summary
Description
Beijing police took Li away on July 10, 2015, and seized books, files and electronic equipment from his home. Front Line Defenders reported that family and chosen lawyers were denied visits and learned of his detention in Tianjin only in January 2016.[1]
A closed trial on April 25, 2017, was followed by announcement of a three-year sentence suspended for four years on April 28 and return home on May 10. HRW identifies the offense as subversion, while Front Line Defenders uses inciting subversion; the original judgment is needed to resolve the wording.[2][1]
The UN’s 2024 report records the lifting of suspended-sentence restrictions on May 8, 2021, but reports that Li’s wife and daughter were prevented from boarding an international flight in June 2023 and subsequently questioned. China replied in July 2024 that Li and Wang Qiaoling were not subject to judicial coercive measures.[3]
Developments
Taken by Beijing police
Front Line Defenders records his removal and seizure of books, files and electronic equipment.[1]
Tianjin detention location disclosed
Front Line Defenders records disclosure of custody at Tianjin No. 1 Detention Center, with family and chosen lawyers still denied visits.[1]
Reported secret trial
HRW reports a trial on this date without notification to his family.[2]
Three-year sentence suspended for four years
Returns home
Front Line Defenders records his return home following the suspended sentence and close surveillance at that time.[1]
Suspended-sentence restrictions lifted
The Secretary-General’s 2024 report records the lifting of Li’s suspended-sentence restrictions on this date.[3]
Reported restrictions on family departure
The Secretary-General’s 2024 report records the lifting of Li’s suspended-sentence restrictions on May 8, 2021. It reports that his wife and daughter were prevented from boarding an international flight in June 2023 and subsequently questioned. China replied in July 2024 that Li and Wang Qiaoling were not subject to judicial coercive measures.[3]
Related People
Organizations
No organizations have been added.
Documents
No documents have been added to this record yet.
Sources
- [1]
CNHRA-S-330352Front Line Defenders
Evidence location: 10 May 2017 update; detention, trial, suspension and return home; charge translation discrepancy.
- [2]
CNHRA-S-300100Human Rights Watch
Evidence location: Displayed May 1 EDT date (URL dated May 2); passages on the April 25 trial, April 28 sentence and July 2015 detention.
- [3]
CNHRA-S-271786United Nations
Evidence location: Annex II, paragraphs 60–63 and 69–70, printed pages 46–49; reported restrictions and government replies.