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Rights Groups Urge Release of Chinese Student Held on Separatism Charge Over Tibetan Rights Advocacy

Human Rights Watch urges foreign capitals to press Beijing over her detention in Changsha.

Overview

  • Zhang Yadi, 22, disappeared on July 31 in Shangri-La while visiting China from France and is believed to be held at a detention center in Changsha, Hunan.
  • She faces prosecution under Article 103(2) for allegedly inciting separatism, an offense punishable by up to five years in prison or up to 15 years if deemed a ringleader.
  • While studying in France, Zhang edited Chinese Youth Stand for Tibet, a Chinese-language platform promoting Tibetan rights and interethnic dialogue.
  • Human Rights Watch has called for her immediate release and urged France and the UK to raise her case with Chinese authorities.
  • Prominent lawyer Jiang Tianyong was briefly detained in Changsha on September 16 after seeking to assist her family, and her defense lawyer has not been allowed to meet her.