CNHRA EVENT RECORD · CNHRA-E-100979
Zhang Zhan: Wuhan Reporting, First Four-Year Sentence and Sentence Completion
Date
2020-02
Location
Wuhan and Shanghai, China
Event Type
Detention · Arrest · Trial · Sentencing · Release
Human Rights Issues
Freedom of the Press · Freedom of Expression · Right to a Fair Trial · Right to Health
Record ID
CNHRA-E-100979
Summary
Description
Zhang traveled to Wuhan in February 2020 to document the pandemic and lockdown independently. A UN communication records loss of contact on May 14, confirmation of detention the next day and subsequent transfer to Pudong, Shanghai.[1]
Following her Wuhan reporting, Zhang’s arrest was approved on June 19, 2020, she was indicted on September 15 and sentenced to four years on December 28. A Special Procedures communication reviewed her hunger strike and health and raised concerns about forced feeding and medical treatment.[1]
China’s 2026 reply confirms release in May 2024 after completion of the first four-year sentence.[2]
The Working Group adopted Opinion No. 25/2021 on September 6, 2021, finding the detention linked to Zhang’s Wuhan reporting arbitrary under categories I, II, III and V and seeking immediate release and remedies. Its account states that Pudong police took her from Wuhan on May 14, 2020 and placed her in criminal detention the next day.[3]
Developments
Detained over expression concerning Hong Kong
The opinion recounts her writing, online expression and placards, followed by detention.[3]
Released from earlier detention
Opinion No. 25/2021 records her release on this date.[3]
Independent reporting in Wuhan
The 2025 communication recounts travel in early February and videos of residents, hospitals and lockdown effects. Platform records have not been individually checked, so totals are omitted.[1]
Loses contact in Wuhan
The Special Procedures communication records loss of contact the day after a video criticizing pandemic measures.[1]
Placed in criminal detention
Arrest approved in first case
The Pudong procuratorate approved arrest. Prosecution followed on September 15 and the trial and sentencing on December 28.[1]
Indicted in first case
The Special Procedures communication records indictment concerning pandemic-related online publications.[1]
First four-year sentence
Exact date appears in the communication; the government reply confirms the month and term.[1]
UN Working Group adopts opinion
The Working Group called for release and remedies; the opinion was issued on October 26.[3]
Released after sentence
China’s reply records her release after completing the four-year sentence in the first case.[2]
Related People
Organizations
No organizations have been added.
Documents
2025-12-23
2026-03-10
Sources
- [1]
CNHRA-S-716546UN Special Procedures
Evidence location: PDF page 1 communication date; page 2 Context; page 3 New detention and sentence.
- [2]
CNHRA-S-592052Government of China / UN Special Procedures
Evidence location: PDF page 1 note CHN/HR/2026/17 and signature date; page 2 answers 1–3 concerning the two cases and appeal.
- [3]
CNHRA-S-094118UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention
Evidence location: Paragraphs 4–5, 11–12 and 74–76; adopted September 6, 2021.