CNHRA PERSON RECORD · CNHRA-P-402056
Chen Ziming
Born
Unknown
Occupation
Unknown
Role
Political Activist · Public Commentator
Record ID
CNHRA-P-402056
Visual Records
Biography
Chen Ziming engaged in independent social research and political reform debates, working with Wang Juntao at the Beijing Social and Economic Sciences Research Institute.[1]
Dui Hua dates the establishment of Chen and Wang’s institute to 1987 and describes publishing, polling, public affairs and local-election engagement.[1]
In a December 2006 RFA interview, Chen recalled founding Reform and Construction with He Jiadong in 2004 after seeking official approval. He Jiadong served as the legally responsible person because Chen lacked political rights. Chen said the site organized contributions across more than a dozen subjects. After readership grew, a server move was followed by closure in August 2005. He described seeking the decision and grounds from police, telecommunications and Beijing news authorities without receiving a clear answer.[2]
Case Summary
John Kamm recalls the authorities labeling Chen and Wang “black hands” after June 1989, their October arrests, confinement including Qincheng and thirteen-year sentences in 1991.[1]
Kamm describes meetings with Chinese officials, prisoner lists, family contacts and releasing custody photographs supplied by officials to the media.[1]
Dui Hua records Chen remaining in China after May 1994 medical parole, reimprisonment in June 1995, renewed parole in November 1996 and residential surveillance until 2002. He died in 2014.[1]
Timeline
1989-10
Arrested
Kamm recalls Chen’s arrest after June Fourth, the authorities’ “black hand” label for him and Wang, and detention including Qincheng.[1]
1991
Sentenced to thirteen years
Chen received thirteen years from the Beijing intermediate court, as did Wang Juntao. Dui Hua links the convictions to allegations of instigating the movement.[1]
1994-05
First release on medical parole
Dui Hua records Chen remaining in China after parole, reimprisonment in 1995 and renewed parole in 1996. Wang had left for the US after April parole.[1]
Related Events
Sources
- [1]
CNHRA-S-620961Dui Hua Foundation
Evidence location: Chen and Wang: research institute, 1989 detention, 1991 sentences and 1994 medical parole.
- [2]
CNHRA-S-448544Radio Free Asia
Evidence location: Interview: political participation, life after imprisonment and website work; Interview passages on establishing Reform and Construction, He Jiadong’s legal responsibility, closure in August 2005 and approaches to three departments.
- [3]
CNHRA-S-919057Wikimedia Commons
Evidence location: Photograph, subject description, author and licensing section.