Chinese Journalist Zhang Zhan Receives Additional Four-Year Sentence

A Chinese journalist, Zhang Zhan, has been sentenced to an additional four years in prison for her reporting on the early stages of the Covid-19 outbreak. The announcement was made on Friday by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), which stated that Zhang received this sentence on charges of “picking quarrels and provoking trouble.” This follows her initial four-year imprisonment in December 2020, stemming from her first-hand accounts documenting the situation in Wuhan, the epicentre of the pandemic.

Zhang, 42, attracted international attention for her reporting, which included videos and commentary that contradicted the official narrative about the outbreak. Her work highlighted the overcrowded hospitals and desolate streets during the initial phase of the pandemic. According to RSF, her recent sentencing is a direct result of her ongoing reporting on China’s human rights abuses.

Zhang’s lawyer, Ren Quanniu, indicated that he was unable to confirm whether Zhang had legal representation during the recent trial. He emphasized that the charges against her were unjust and based on her expressions on overseas platforms. Ren stated, “This is the second time Zhang Zhan has faced trial on baseless charges that amount to nothing more than a blatant act of persecution for her journalism work.”

Zhang’s plight has garnered global concern, with advocacy groups urging the international community to advocate for her release. RSF’s Asia-Pacific advocacy manager, Aleksandra Bielakowska, described Zhang as an “information hero” deserving of recognition rather than imprisonment. Bielakowska urged diplomatic efforts to pressure Beijing for Zhang’s immediate release, emphasizing the urgency of her situation.

Background on Zhang Zhan’s Detention

Zhang was first taken into custody after months of reporting from Wuhan, where she shared insights that painted a more alarming picture of the pandemic than the official accounts provided by the Chinese government. Following her arrest, she went on a hunger strike, which prompted authorities to force-feed her, a tactic criticized by human rights advocates.

In May 2024, Zhang was released but was detained again just three months later. She was formally arrested and placed in Shanghai’s Pudong Detention Centre. The lack of clarity surrounding the specific activities that led to her charges has raised concerns about the transparency of the legal process in China.

The Sentencing and Its Implications

The recent sentencing of Zhang Zhan is part of a broader pattern of repression faced by journalists in China. According to RSF, the country has the highest number of imprisoned journalists globally, with at least 124 media workers currently behind bars. In the 2025 RSF World Press Freedom Index, China ranked 178th out of 180 countries and territories, underscoring the challenges faced by those seeking to report independently.

A week prior to Zhang’s sentencing, Chinese lawmakers passed a bill aimed at streamlining public health emergency responses. This legislation allows citizens to report such emergencies directly, bypassing the government’s traditional hierarchical structure. The implementation of this bill raises questions about the potential for increased scrutiny and accountability in public health reporting, particularly in light of previous censorship efforts.

As Zhang Zhan continues to endure harsh imprisonment conditions, her case remains emblematic of the struggles faced by journalists in China, highlighting the urgent need for international advocacy on behalf of press freedom and human rights.