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The sentence of Zhang Zhan, a 37-year-old former lawyer, was handed down by a Shanghai (eastern) court for “causing disturbances” after a trial of several hours, Ren Quanniu, one of his lawyers, told reporters.
“She seemed very upset when the decision was announced,” she told AFP.
The term “provoking riots” is often used against opponents of President Xi Jinping’s regime, AFP notes.
Specifically, the court charged her with spreading false information on the Internet, said her other lawyer, Zhang Keke.
In articles he posted online, Zhang specifically denounced the closure in Wuhan (center), citing “a grave violation of human rights.”
About 10 foreign diplomats and supporters of Zhang tried unsuccessfully to enter the Shanghai court where the trial was taking place, but police refused entry, as did journalists.
Zhang Zhan had been on a hunger strike since June and was force-fed with a nasal tube, according to his lawyers.
Zhang, originally from Shanghai, went to Wuhan in February, then hit by the epidemic, posting reports on social media, especially about the chaotic situation in hospitals.
