CNHRA PERSON RECORD · CNHRA-P-006174
Wang Zang
Biography
Wang Zang is a poet and artist from Chuxiong, Yunnan, whose original name is Wang Yuwen. RFA reports that he began publishing poetry online in 2003 under the name Little Prince and adopted Wang Zang in 2009.[1]
His work includes poetry, essays and performance art, alongside public advocacy. In 2014, he was detained for picking quarrels and provoking trouble after online support for Hong Kong’s Umbrella Movement, and was released on bail pending investigation in 2015.[1]
Wang and his wife Wang Liqin have four children. After both were detained in 2020, PEN America and the Raoul Wallenberg Centre filed a complaint with the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention concerning their detention and threats against the family.[2][3]
Case Summary
Wang was detained on May 30, 2020 and later formally arrested on suspicion of inciting subversion. PEN America reports that the allegations involved poems, essays, performance art and foreign-media interviews; his wife was also detained after publicly advocating for him.[4]
The couple stood trial behind closed doors in December 2021. PEN America’s December 2022 statement reports four years for Wang and two years and six months for his wife, both for inciting subversion. Wang appealed. On May 30, 2024, his wife announced online that he had completed his sentence and returned home.[4][1]
Timeline
2003
Begins publishing poetry online
RFA describes Wang Yuwen’s early poetry under the name Little Prince, later performance art and civic advocacy. In 2009 he began using the name Wang Zang.[1]
2014
Detained after supporting the Umbrella Movement
Beijing police detained Wang for picking quarrels and provoking trouble after online support for Hong Kong’s Umbrella Movement. RFA records his subsequent bail release in 2015.[1]
2020-05-30
Detained again
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.[4]
2021-12
Couple tried behind closed doors
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.[4]
2022-11
Four years for Wang, two and a half for his wife
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.[4]
2024-05-30
Wife announces his return home
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.[1]
Related Events
Sources
- [1]
CNHRA-S-099714Radio Free Asia
Evidence location: Wife’s May 30 announcement; names Wang Yuwen/Wang Zang, writing, 2014 case and actual 2024 release.
- [2]
CNHRA-S-906360PEN America
Evidence location: January 21, 2021 complaint statement: Wang’s May 30 detention, wife’s June 17 detention, four children and family surveillance.
- [3]
CNHRA-S-542489Radio Free Asia
Evidence location: Interview with Wang Li, identified as Wang Liqin: December 16, 2022 release, four children and March 2023 surveillance.
- [4]
CNHRA-S-938073PEN America
Evidence location: December 13, 2022 statement: December 2021 trial, previous month’s four-year and two-and-a-half-year sentences, appeal and expression.