Overview
- The Beijing High Court rejected Dong Yuyu’s appeal on November 13 without giving a public rationale, making the conviction final under China’s legal system.
- Dong, a longtime Guangming Daily editor and Nieman fellow, was detained in February 2022 after meeting a Japanese diplomat and received a seven-year sentence in November 2024.
- His lawyer says the judgment lacks evidence and logic, and his family calls the outcome persecution while vowing to seek other avenues to challenge the case.
- Press-freedom groups including the Committee to Protect Journalists and the National Press Club condemned the decision, and the United States urged Dong’s immediate, unconditional release.
- Proceedings were closed to observers, with journalists and a U.S. diplomat blocked from attending, and CPJ plans to honor Dong with a press freedom award later this month.