Beijing Sitong Bridge Protest and Subsequent Responses, 2022

Main banner wording, transcribed in RFA’s same-day report and cross-checked against ABC’s next-day account. Line breaks below aid reading and do not reproduce the physical layout. The following is CNHRA’s translation:[7][8]

“We want food, not nucleic-acid tests; freedom, not lockdowns; dignity, not lies; reform, not a Cultural Revolution; votes, not leaders; citizenship, not servitude.”[7][8]

Another principal slogan reads: “Strike from classes and work; remove the dictator and national traitor Xi Jinping.” This is a translation of the protester’s wording, recorded as part of the event.[7]

ABC’s lead image shows the banners, but credits only social media. The photographer and republication rights remain unclear; this page retains the source and rights caveat, with the original report linked under Related Documents.[8]

BBC’s same-day account describes two banners opposing pandemic restrictions, demanding freedom, dignity, votes and reform, and calling for Xi Jinping’s removal. The source of visible smoke was unexplained; footage alone does not establish an arson offense. When BBC reporters visited later, the banners were gone and police were present. HRW subsequently described police taking the protester away.[1][3]

Identity and occurrence are assessed separately. RFA’s October 2022 report said it lacked sufficient evidence to independently verify the circulating identity and account associations. In 2024, HRW said many believed the man was Peng Lifa, also known as Peng Zaizhou, while noting no official identification. Using the reported legal name as a heading does not remove this limitation.[2][3]

HRW assessed his situation in 2024 as enforced disappearance and described censorship and circulation of his message. This is attributed to the organization. Being taken away is not equated with a documented formal arrest, and absence of public contact does not establish death. Assessments of influence on the White Paper protests are not treated as a sole explanation for later nationwide demonstrations.[3]

On July 8, 2025, CHRD relayed reports of a nine-year sentence on charges including arson and picking quarrels and provoking trouble. It explicitly could not independently confirm the sentence, considered the reporting account credible and explained that the original source’s identity was protected. The judgment date, court and prison were unknown. July 8 is the statement’s publication date, not a verified sentencing date; a reported conviction does not independently establish the alleged conduct.[4]

HRW’s World Report 2026 again records a reported nine-year sentence and links to media reporting, not another original court record. CNHRA has not obtained custody or arrest notices, an indictment, judgment, visitation records or originals independently establishing the current detention location. Searches through October 15, 2026 retain these source and timing limitations rather than treating repetition as verification.[5][4]

The record extends to January 9, 2026 because that is the publication date of the included annual report, not an end to detention, disputes or consequences. The person page explains the name and online name; this event page holds the detailed sequence and evidence limitations.[5]