Exactly 1 year ago, on 13 April 2023, human rights lawyer Yu Wensheng and his wife, Xu Yan were detained on their way to a meeting at the EU Delegation in Beijing. They have not been released since.

Throughout this year, the EU has repeatedly raised this case with the Chinese authorities, up to the highest levels, expressing deep concern for the wellbeing of Yu Wensheng and Xu Yan, and asking for their release.

The EU also continues to call on China to respect all of Yu Wensheng and Xu Yan’s human rights, ensuring that they are not subjected to torture and ill-treatment while in detention, granting medical assistance when needed, as well as regular access to lawyers of their choice and regular contacts with their families.

At the last session of the UN Human Rights Council, in its statement on behalf of the EU and its 27 Member States, the EU listed the names of many human rights defenders currently imprisoned in China, including Yu Wensheng and Xu Yan, asking for their immediate and unconditional release. The EU reiterates this call today.