July 2023 | 7th 709 Lawyers Day | “709 Crackdown 2.0” | Advocacy Spotlight on Human Rights Lawyers in China and Hong Kong

The 7th 709 Human Rights Lawyers Day 2023 and the “709 Human Rights Lawyers Award” (source available in Chinese only)

On 2nd July in London, The 29 Principles, in collaboration with partner organisations, marked the 7th 709 Human Rights Lawyers Day by presenting the “709 Human Rights Lawyer Award”. The recipients of the award this year are Chow Hang Tung, Yu Wensheng, and Zhou Shifeng. The award, previously the 'China Human Rights Lawyer Award', broadened its scope this year to acknowledge the challenges and commitment of human rights lawyers in Hong Kong.

All awardees still face severe challenges: Chow Hang Tung, a Hong Kong human rights lawyer, receives this year’s award as she faces charges under the HKNSL; Chinese human rights lawyer Zhou Shifeng remains under close surveillance after serving his sentence from the initial 709 Crackdown; and Yu Wensheng, who represented other lawyers targeted by the ‘709 Crackdown', and his wife Xu Yan have recently been detained by Chinese authorities and face potential national security-related charges.

The “709 Crackdown 2.0”: Persecution Persists

At the award ceremony, Chakra Ip, The 29 Principles's Executive Director, highlighted the continued oppression by the Chinese government. Since the '709 Crackdown' in 2015, which resulted in over 300 lawyers and dissidents detained, persecution has not waned. Recent years have seen what's been termed the '709 Crackdown 2.0', with human rights lawyers facing increased suppression. On 9th July this year, The 29 Principles, along with more than 60 organisations, scholars, and human rights defenders, issued a joint statement condemning the renewed repression against Chinese human rights lawyers.

Spotlight on Advocacy: The "Defenders in the Courtroom" Exhibition

From 30th June to 5th July 2023, The 29 Principles, along with other organisations, hosted the "Defenders in the Courtroom" exhibition in Manchester. The exhibition highlighted the challenges faced by lawyers from China and Hong Kong, as visitors explored the journeys of Chinese human rights lawyers and defenders as they navigate the courtroom, not just as advocates but also as the accused. The exhibition spotlighted the 709 Crackdown in 2015 and its subsequent resurgence in 2023.

The exhibition opened with a panel of exiled lawyers, international NGO and humanitarian representatives on 1st July 2023, moderated by Chakra Ip. The panel discussion was complimented by a screening of the "709 Companion” documentary providing further insights into the challenges faced by Chinese human rights lawyers and defenders.

Profile Highlight: Barrister Margaret Ng's Lifelong Pursuit of Justice

Ongoing Persecution: China's Unrelenting Clampdown on Human Rights Lawyers Eight Years After “709 Crackdown”

Eight years after China's "709 Crackdown", prominent Chinese human rights lawyer Wang Quanzhang remains a prime target of the Chinese authorities. He and his family have faced multiple forced evictions in Beijing since April, with landlords facing pressure by police. Initially accused of occupying property illegally utilities to Wang's homes were disconnected, even after showing valid rental agreements. Alongside this, Wang's access to storage facilities were restricted, forcing his wife and child to relocate. As a symbolic figure for human rights lawyers in China, having been targeted in the original “709 Crackdown”, Wang’s plight underscores the broadening repression of dissenting voices and human rights activists in the country.