CNHRA PERSON RECORD · CNHRA-P-778539
Ou Biaofeng
Born
Unknown
Occupation
Columnist · Public affairs commentator
Role
Public Commentator · Human Rights Defender
Record ID
CNHRA-P-778539
Biography
Ou Biaofeng is a Hunan commentator and human rights activist who advocated online for detained people and their families. CNA describes his support for Dong Yaoqiong, Xu Zhiyong and Chang Weiping, among others, and participation in campaigns concerning individual cases.[1]
In 2020, Ou raised concerns about Dong Yaoqiong’s confinement in a psychiatric hospital after she threw ink at an image of Xi Jinping, posting appeals on Twitter. PEN America identifies his columns, online commentary and criticism of the government as background to his case.[1][2]
Following his detention, Ou’s wife Wei Huanhuan continued to communicate information about the case and custody. CNA’s release report traces administrative detention, designated-location residential surveillance, formal arrest and sentencing, followed by imprisonment in Hunan’s Chishan Prison.[1]
Case Summary
Ou was detained in December 2020 following online advocacy, initially receiving administrative detention for picking quarrels and provoking trouble and then designated-location residential surveillance on suspicion of inciting subversion. On December 30, 2022, a judgment at the Zhuzhou detention facility imposed three years and six months and three years’ deprivation of political rights.[1]
Ou left prison after completing his term on September 16, 2024. Both CNA and PEN America record the release; CNA also recounts his sustained advocacy for prisoners of conscience and family appeals during the case.[1][2]
Timeline
2020-12
Detained following online advocacy
Ou was detained after advocacy for Dong Yaoqiong and others, first under administrative detention and then designated-location residential surveillance. CNA records the subsequent inciting-subversion case.[1]
2021-07-22
Procuratorate approves arrest
CNA’s retrospective records approval of Ou’s arrest by the Lusong District procuratorate in Zhuzhou on July 22. He had been in custody since December 2020 under administrative detention and designated-location residential surveillance.[1]
2022-12-30
Sentenced to three years and six months
A judgment announced at the Zhuzhou detention facility imposed three years and six months and three years’ deprivation of political rights. Ou subsequently served time at Chishan Prison in Hunan.[1]
Related Events
Sources
- [1]
CNHRA-S-089315Central News Agency
Evidence location: Ou’s advocacy, 2020 detention, July 22, 2021 arrest approval, December 30, 2022 sentence and September 16, 2024 release.
- [2]
CNHRA-S-000196PEN America
Evidence location: Profile: columns and online commentary, forty-two-month term and September 16, 2024 release.