WASHINGTON, July
1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Following is a statement by National
Press Club President Emily Wilkins on China's decision to extend detention for
journalist Yuyu Dong – a former
Nieman Fellow -- being held in jail in Beijing.
"We have recently learned that Chinese journalist Yuyu Dong
will continue to be detained in a Beijing jail until at least September 27, 2024. Arrested in February 2022, he has been detained 2 years and 4
months prior to this latest extension. Dong was tried in
July 2023, but the court offered no
verdict at that time. Since then, he has been given a series of
extended detentions. This last one will extend more than a year
past his trial.
"In these kinds of national security cases the verdict is often
rendered the same day as the trial. It appears the court is
struggling to reach a verdict in this case. This delay calls into
question their case against Dong. We ask China to consider releasing Yuyu. He
should be reunited with his family."
Founded in 1908, the National Press Club is the world's leading
professional organization for journalists. With 3,000 members
representing nearly every major news organization, the club is a
leading voice for press freedom in the U.S. and worldwide.
Contact: Bill McCarren,
wmccarren@press.org for the National Press Club
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SOURCE National Press Club