Expose, Encourage Prominent human rights lawyer Zhang Kai was placed under criminal detention on Feb. 26 after state-run media televised his “confession” on the six-month anniversary of his confinement to “residential surveillance in a designated location,” otherwise known as a “black jail.” The end of Zhang’s six-month holding period marked the deadline for authorities to either charge and officially detain or release him. Over the course of his time in a black jail, officials refused to let Zhang meet with his family members or legal representatives. Zhang, originally taken into police custody on Aug. 25, 2015, became the latest in a series of televised confessions on Feb. 25. His appearance on television marked the first time he had been seen since police apprehended him.
“[Zhang] looked like he was under severe duress while making ISIS or North Korea-style, scripted remarks about his confessed crimes of ‘endangering national security’ and ‘gathering a mob to disturb social order,’” China Aid president Bob Fu said in a statement regarding Zhang’s confession. “… I do believe he is innocent.” Zhang was released “out on bail, awaiting trial” on March 23 after nearly seven months of police custody. Though many of the details regarding his release and condition are unknown, Zhang was able to send a message thanking those who showed support for him during his time incarcerated and expressed his gratitude for those who helped care for his family. China Aid reports on cases like Zhang Kai to expose abuses perpetrated by the Chinese government in order to advance religious freedom and rule of law in China. China Aid supports legal defenders such as Zhang Kai, working to protect the rights of Chinese citizens. |
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