Yang Zili(“New Youth Study Group” )
March 13, 2001
Prison Terms:
8 years
Charges:
Subversion of the state
Crime:
Forming and participating in a discussion group
In the summer of 2000, Yang Zili along with eight others formed the "New Youth Study Group," hoping to debate political and social reform in China.
Chinese authorities arrested the members in 2001. Yang Zili, Jin Haike, Xu Wei, and Zhang Honghai remained in custody for over two years before being convicted of subversion in a one-day trial. They were all found guilty of subversion of the state. Yang and Zhang Honghai were sentenced to eight years, while Jin Haike and Xuwei were sentenced to 10 years. After the sentence, Yang was sent to Beijing No. 2 Prison.
Yang was released in 2009 and has courageously continued to push for the advancement of democracy and human rights in China.
【Report】A Study Group Is Crushed in China's Grip(Washington Post)
