Wang Zang and Wang Liqin: sentences and separate releases

Wang was detained and later formally arrested on suspicion of inciting subversion. PEN America identifies poems, essays, art and interviews among the material used against him.[1]

After Wang Zang’s detention in May, Wang Liqin called for his release online and was subsequently detained herself. PEN America identifies her public advocacy as part of the case background.[1][4]

PEN America and the Raoul Wallenberg Centre filed a complaint for the couple with the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, addressing detention, expression and threats against family members.[4][1]

Wang and Wang Liqin were tried in closed proceedings. PEN America reports a one-day trial and that his defense lawyer was unable to appear after revocation of his license.[1]

PEN America’s December statement records the previous month’s sentences: four years for Wang and two years and six months for his wife. Wang subsequently appealed the inciting-subversion judgment.[1]

RFA’s 2023 interview records her release on December 16, 2022. She subsequently cared for the children and continued to discuss her husband’s case and her own circumstances publicly.[3]

Wang told RFA that guards increased from twelve to twenty-four in shifts during the national political meetings and followed her shopping. She said local personnel demanded travel reports and removal of online videos.[3]

Wang Liqin announced on X that Wang had completed his term and returned home safely. RFA reported the news that day and described earlier instructions barring relatives from going to meet him.[2]