This article gives insight into two activists on trial in China. Their names are Huang Xueqin and Wang Jianbing. They are on trial for inciting or subversion of state power. Huang is an activist who is known for her work in the #MeToo movement in China. She came to prominence because she created a platform for women to tell their stories about what has happened to them in the workplace and at university. She also runs a pro-democracy journal in Hong Kong. While Wang is known for his work in gender movements and labor movements.
They got detained a day before Huang was supposed to go to the UK. Wang’s home was used as a base for social movement leaders and participants. Where they could talk and form plans. They would also plan demonstrations and marches from this apartment. Huang was also detained in 2019 because China implemented this security law that constricted the freedom of speech in Hong Kong.
They have not had communication with the outside world for 47 days now. Their supporters have a feeling that they are getting tortured for information about other activists and their plans. The police are also integrating 70 of their associates to see if they can get information out of them. The case the Chinese government is pressing on them is seen as a way to shut down these protests rather than an actual case. Since Huang is a UK post-doctoral student. It has caught the eyes of some British diplomats who will appear at the trial.