Ten Years Post-709 Crackdown: Deteriorating Human Rights in China

A decade after the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) initiated a sweeping crackdown on human rights lawyers and activists, the legal landscape in China has drastically changed, leaving little room for the defense of human rights.

On July 9, 2015, the government launched a coordinated effort that led to the arrest and interrogation of over 300 legal professionals dedicated to defending civil liberties. This incident, referred to as the '709 crackdown,' has had lasting repercussions on those involved.

One prominent figure affected by this crackdown is Chen Jiangang, who experienced fear and uncertainty during the initial days of the crackdown, seeking refuge in his car to evade potential arrest. Although he was not detained, his representation of several arrested lawyers made him a target, prompting him and his family to flee to the United States in search of safety.

The crackdown coincided with the implementation of stringent national security laws aimed at safeguarding the CCP's authority and territorial integrity. Critics assert that these laws severely restrict individual freedoms and suppress dissenting voices.

Over the past ten years, the CCP's grip on the legal profession has tightened considerably. Lawyers previously convicted during the crackdown continue to face intense scrutiny and limitations, even after serving their sentences. Many experience renewed harassment when pursuing cases related to social justice.

Chen notes that the environment for defense lawyers has become increasingly oppressive, with diminishing opportunities for effective legal advocacy.

Some former prisoners and their families have turned to international social media platforms, such as X, to share their ongoing experiences of repression, as these platforms are inaccessible within China without a VPN. Wang Quanzhang, a lawyer who served time for 'subverting state power,' regularly documents the surveillance and police encounters his family endures following his release.

Legal experts highlight that the Chinese legal system permits significant restrictions on political prisoners, often resulting in additional penalties that curtail their rights. This legal framework effectively allows authorities to limit the freedoms of movement, expression, and assembly.

Despite the increasing number of licensed lawyers in China, those willing to take on cases involving civil rights face intensified political pressure. The CCP has promoted a vision of 'socialist rule of law,' yet many observers argue this model prioritizes political control over legal fairness.

In recent years, several lawyers who were previously arrested during the 709 crackdown have been re-arrested for continuing their advocacy work. Xie Yang, for example, was detained again in 2022 while advocating for a teacher wrongfully confined in a psychiatric facility.

Even in this oppressive atmosphere, acts of defiance persist. Zhou Shifeng, a lawyer heavily punished during the crackdown, recently filed a complaint against law enforcement officials for alleged unlawful detention and torture, reflecting a broader sentiment of resistance among human rights advocates.

International organizations, including Amnesty International, continue to call for global awareness and pressure on the Chinese government to improve its human rights record. The organization emphasizes the importance of holding the CCP accountable for its treatment of human rights defenders.

While the risks remain high, the persistence of these lawyers highlights their unwavering commitment to advocating for a better future, demonstrating resilience against a backdrop of severe repression.