CNHRA EVENT RECORD · CNHRA-E-991477
Pu Zhiqiang: Detention in 2014 and Suspended Sentence in 2015
Date
2014-05
Location
Beijing, China
Event Type
Detention · Arrest · Trial · Sentencing
Human Rights Issues
Freedom of Expression · Right to a Fair Trial
Record ID
CNHRA-E-991477
Summary
Description
Following a private commemoration in May 2014, Pu was summoned and detained. A bail application was rejected on June 9, followed by formal arrest on June 13; Front Line Defenders reported investigation on charges concerning public disturbances and obtaining personal information.[1]
On December 22, 2015, Beijing No. 2 Intermediate People’s Court imposed three years in prison, suspended for three years, on charges of inciting ethnic hatred and picking quarrels and provoking trouble. Front Line Defenders reported that the charges concerned seven online posts and that he left detention that afternoon for a police-designated residence under surveillance.[1]
After sentencing, the case continued to affect Pu’s legal practice. On April 14, 2016, he received the Beijing justice bureau’s decision revoking his practice certificate, dated April 13.[3]
Developments
Attends private commemoration
Attends a private Beijing discussion marking twenty-five years since June Fourth; participants call for an investigation and compensation.[1]
Summoned late at night
Front Line Defenders reports a police summons at around 11 p.m. concerning the commemoration.[1]
Home searched; detention announced
Front Line Defenders reports an afternoon search and seizure of a phone, computer and books, followed by a police announcement of detention on a disturbance-related charge.[1]
Bail request denied
Front Line Defenders reports rejection of bail by Beijing police on grounds of danger to society.[1]
Formal arrest reported
Front Line Defenders’ June 16 update records Pu’s formal arrest on June 13.[1]
Three-year term suspended for three years
Beijing No. 2 Intermediate People’s Court imposed three years in prison, suspended for three years, in a case concerning seven online comments.[1]
Leaves detention for designated residence
Front Line Defenders reports departure from the detention center on the afternoon of sentencing and transfer to a police-designated residence under surveillance.[1]
Receives disbarment decision
The report records receipt that day of a decision dated April 13.[3]
Related People
Organizations
No organizations have been added.
Documents
Sources
- [1]
CNHRA-S-549178Front Line Defenders
Evidence location: Updates dated 6 May and 16 June 2014 and 22 December 2015.
- [2]
CNHRA-S-654881Congressional-Executive Commission on China
Evidence location: Statement title, date and opening sentencing paragraphs, read through the search index; original page unavailable.
- [3]
CNHRA-S-050658Voice of America
Evidence location: Receipt on April 14; decision dated April 13.