Overview
- Beijing’s High Court affirmed Dong Yuyu’s conviction and seven-year term on espionage charges, according to his family, with no reasons provided.
- The appeal ruling on November 13 follows three postponements since his 2024 conviction, and the court’s decision is final under China’s system.
- Dong was detained in February 2022 after meeting a Japanese diplomat in Beijing, a diplomat who was released within hours.
- His family and press freedom groups condemned the outcome and demanded his release, with CPJ calling the decision unjust and set to honor Dong later this month.
- Dong is a veteran Guangming Daily editor whose work appeared in Chinese editions of major international outlets and who held a Nieman Fellowship, while his lawyer and family say the case lacks evidence, noting named Japanese diplomats were not expelled.