Journalist Jailed for Reporting on Wuhan COVID Outbreak

The journalist was detained several months ago and, according to media reports, she is being force-fed through a tube while she was on a hunger strike.

In China, journalist Zhang Zhan was sentenced to four years in prison for covering the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan, writes AFP.

The publication recalls that almost a year ago it broadcast live from the city during the epidemic of the then “unknown viral pneumonia”.

Zhan was officially convicted of violating public order and creating troublesome situations. She was arrested after fragments of transmissions about the virus were disseminated on social networks in February and criticizing the measures of the authorities.

Zhan, 37, reportedly went on a hunger strike in June in protest and has since been force-fed through a tube in custody. The mother of the accused was present at the hearing, where the verdict was read. He fears that his daughter will die in prison, as the journalist promised to continue her hunger strike in the event of a harsh sentence.

So far, eight people in China have been punished in one way or another for journalistic activities related to the coronavirus.

We will recall, the COVID-19 pneumonia outbreak was first recorded in December 2019 in Wuhan. Since April 8, the Chinese authorities lifted restrictions on transport links with Wuhan. The city was isolated without rail or air transport for 76 days.

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