CNHRA EVENT RECORD · CNHRA-E-528546
Lu Siwei: Laos detention, deportation and imprisonment
Date
2023-07-28
Location
Thanaleng, Laos (detention); Chengdu, Sichuan (custody and trial after deportation)
Event Type
Detention · Sentencing · Release · Travel Restriction
Human Rights Issues
Right to Liberty and Security · Right to a Fair Trial
Record ID
CNHRA-E-528546
Summary
Lu was detained at Thanaleng railway station in Laos on July 28, 2023 while preparing to travel to Thailand. He was deported to China in late September, held in Chengdu and subsequently released on bail pending investigation, as his wife reported on October 28.[1]
Description
Lu was detained at Thanaleng railway station in Laos on July 28, 2023 while preparing to travel to Thailand. He was deported to China in late September, held in Chengdu and subsequently released on bail pending investigation, as his wife reported on October 28.[1]
Chengdu police took Lu from his home again on October 10, 2024, and relatives received an arrest notice alleging illegal border crossing. Front Line Defenders reports that Chenghua District Court later imposed eleven months’ imprisonment and a 10,000-yuan fine; he was released on August 5, 2025.[1]
In its release update, Front Line Defenders reports that Lu remained under close surveillance and an exit ban. It also reports that suspension of his medical insurance during imprisonment affected access to treatment and costs afterward.[1]
Developments
Detained in Laos en route to Thailand
Lao authorities detained Lu as he prepared to take a train from Thanaleng to Thailand and then travel to his wife and child in the United States. He was transferred to an immigration facility on July 31.[1]
Deported to China
Front Line Defenders records his deportation from Laos in late September and detention in Chengdu on an illegal-border-crossing allegation. A family-appointed lawyer subsequently sought access and was refused.[1]
Wife reports bail release
Lu’s wife Zhang Chunxiao reported online that he had been released on bail pending investigation in Chengdu. FLD’s later account states that the bail period was due to expire in October 2024.[1]
Arrested again
Chengdu police took Lu from home, and his family later received an arrest notice alleging illegal border crossing. Chenghua District Court subsequently imposed eleven months and a 10,000-yuan fine.[1]
Released with continuing exit restrictions
Lu left Chengdu’s detention center. FLD’s release update reports continuing surveillance and an exit ban, alongside treatment and cost difficulties arising from suspended medical insurance.[1]
Related People
Organizations
No organizations have been added.
Documents
No documents have been added to this record yet.
Sources
- [1]
CNHRA-S-530912Front Line Defenders
Evidence location: Legal work; 2021 license and exit ban; Laos detention, deportation and bail in 2023; 2024 rearrest and August 5, 2025 release.