China: Statement by the Spokesperson on the release of human rights lawyer Yu Wensheng

The EU takes note of the release of human rights lawyer Yu Wensheng from prison today after having served three years in prison for the fraud offence of ‘inciting subversion of state power’.

Yu Wensheng and his wife Xu Yan were detained on 13 April 2023, on their way to the EU Delegation in Beijing to meet with senior officials of the European External Action Service. In October 2024, Yu Wensheng was sentenced to three years imprisonment and his wife Xu Yan to one year and 9 months.

We are concerned that Yu Wensheng will continue to face surveillance and restrictions after his release. The EU calls on China to fully respect all rights and freedoms of Yu Wensheng and his wife Xu Yan.

The EU reiterates its call for the immediate and unconditional release of human rights defenders in China that are detained and convicted solely for the peaceful exercise of their human rights, and to ensure the respect of due process rights and guarantees.

The EU will continue raising these violations in bilateral and multilateral forums.